Who Is Rezan Epozdemir? Turkish Lawyer Arrested on Bribery and Espionage Charges

Turkish lawyer Rezan Epozdemir was arrested recently on charges of bribery and espionage, according to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The lawyer, known for taking on high-profile murder cases, is also under investigation for alleged links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Arrest and Charges

Epozdemir was detained after police searched his home and law office in Istanbul. The court approved his arrest on charges of “mediating bribery.” However, it rejected prosecutors’ request for judicial control related to terrorism and espionage allegations.

Bribery Allegations

According to court papers, a witness said Epozdemir accepted bribes three times. One case involved a $150,000 payment in 2021, made to secure the release of a detained person. The payment was split into two parts: $75,000 before release and $75,000 after. WhatsApp messages reportedly support these claims.

Espionage Investigation

Epozdemir is also being investigated for espionage. In late 2024, a photo showed him at a dinner with people allegedly connected to foreign intelligence agencies. Phone data confirmed he was at the dinner on June 21, 2024.

Authorities said some attendees were linked to the U.S. and Israeli intelligence. Prosecutors believe these meetings were suspicious and not part of normal life. They continue gathering evidence.

Lawyer’s Defense

Epozdemir’s team called the arrest a “setup” on his social media. They said someone tried to falsely accuse him before and argued the photo alone is not proof. They suggested if such meetings are criminal, everyone at the dinner should be investigated.

Notable Cases

Epozdemir is known for representing victims’ families in major murder cases, including:

• Munevver Karabulut (murdered 2009)

• Pinar Gultekin (murdered 2020)

• Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi (murdered recently in Kadikoy)

He had also reported receiving death threats related to the Minguzzi case.

Investigation Expands

Authorities also detained the secretary of a former prosecutor linked to the case. Police seized digital evidence and restricted Epozdemir’s travel by confiscating his passport.

The prosecution has charged him with bribery, aiding a terrorist organization (FETO), and political and military espionage.