Türkiye‘s most listened artist,Lvbel C5 (Süleyman Burak Bodur),was detained on May 6 on charges of “encouraging drug use.” Teh 24-year-old rapper was sentenced to trial adn transferred to Kandira prison. After 23 days of detention, a scandal arose regarding his arrest and release.
Relatives and the producer of Lvbel C5 met with the judge who issued the arrest warrant. They argued that the artist had full concert schedules and that many others were tried without arrest,requesting his release to prevent financial losses. The judge reportedly directed them to lawyer EA.
lawyer EA initially demanded a $500,000 bribe to secure Bodur’s release, claiming to be working with the judge. This demand was rejected by Bodur’s relatives.The lawyer then reduced the bribe to $300,000, citing Bodur’s wealth. When this was also refused, the lawyer reportedly convinced the judge to accept $100,000, with $50,000 to be paid in advance and the remainder upon release.Bodur’s relatives contacted Ministry of Justice officials, leading to an inquiry by the Izmit Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. During the investigation, bodur’s relatives informed the prosecution that they had agreed to pay lawyer EA $100,000, with $50,000 upfront.
An operation was set up, and lawyer EA was arrested in a restaurant in Istanbul’s Çekmeköy district while receiving the $50,000 advance payment.The serial numbers on the money were recorded. During the operation, the lawyer made multiple video calls with the judge to manage the bribery process.The judge was subsequently dismissed.
