Probe into ex-minister’s blackmail suspended after complaint is withdrawn

The public prosecution of former Environment Minister Mehmet Özhaseki related to a blackmail case was recently suspended following the withdrawal of a complaint by the main complainant and a statement of remorse issued by the prime suspect. The Kayseri Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, which had been overseeing the case since July 18, 2025, announced the decision. Despite prosecutors’ belief that there was enough suspicion to press charges, various legal provisions and the stances taken by the individuals involved resulted in a postponement of the case for five years.

The investigation was initiated after Özhaseki lodged a criminal complaint, alleging that a woman named E.T. attempted to extort 1 billion TL from him. Özhaseki recounted meeting E.T. at a condolence visit and later at the opening of her store. About a month before the complaint was filed, E.T. requested a meeting with Özhaseki and claimed to possess video evidence that could compromise him. Özhaseki refuted any acknowledgment of the authenticity of such material and mentioned E.T.’s suggestion that artificial intelligence could fabricate such content.

Moreover, E.T. later sent messages to Özhaseki’s longtime adviser, H.K., insinuating a personal relationship and using threatening language. H.K., who had worked with Özhaseki for nearly three decades, forwarded the messages and audio recordings to the prosecutor’s office, where they became part of the evidence reviewed in the case.

During the course of the investigation, E.T. denied the blackmail allegations, asserting that she did not possess any compromising footage. However, following an examination of phone records, prosecutors alleged that E.T. and a relative, B.E.A., collaborated in their actions. Both suspects rejected the charges. E.T. was detained for approximately two and a half months before applying for an additional statement on September 24, 2025, expressing regret and appealing for clemency.

Eventually, the complainant decided to withdraw the complaint based on E.T.’s statement and her family’s circumstances, leading to the prosecutor’s decision to defer the case for five years under relevant criminal procedure statutes. Despite establishing sufficient suspicion and finding evidence of alleged unity between the suspects, prosecutors considered the maximum potential sentence and the suspect’s remorse, rendering the option to defer prosecution viable.

Mehmet Özhaseki, a prominent figure in Turkish politics with a history of public service, has held various significant positions over the past three decades. His resignation from the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change post in 2024 due to health reasons garnered attention. The recent suspension of the blackmail case, which involved Özhaseki and drew public interest due to the high sum of money demanded and the involvement of a former government official, marks a concluding point, at least for the time being, as legal oversight continues over the next five years.