Court Clerk Flees with Stolen Gold and Silver from Istanbul Courthouse
On December 1, 2025, Turkish authorities made a shocking announcement following the discovery of an extensive theft from the Büyükçekmece Courthouse in Istanbul. A court employee, identified as Erdal T, had allegedly fled the country with a staggering 25 kilograms of gold and 50 kilograms of silver, which were stored in an evidence safe. This revelation has sparked deep concern and disbelief within the legal community and beyond.
The Discovery of the Theft
The theft was uncovered when prosecutors opened the courthouse’s evidence safe to find it entirely empty. This startling realization came just as Erdal T—who had been absent from work following a leave of absence—failed to return to his post. The empty safe was the result of meticulous planning, and initial investigations quickly pointed to the court employee’s involvement.
A Disappearing Act
Erdal T’s disappearance was not spontaneous. Authorities traced his movements to November 19, when he and his wife, Esma T, along with their children, boarded a flight from Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul to London. It appears that their departure was carefully orchestrated. Prior to leaving Turkey, Erdal T had even messaged friends on WhatsApp, cheekily stating, “I sold the goods, may God grant prosperity to your markets.” This message raised alarms and indicated that he may have had premeditated intentions behind his actions.
The Investigation Unfolds
As investigations proceeded, prosecutors issued arrest warrants for not just Erdal T, but also for his wife and a fellow clerk, Kemal D. The latter was suspected of having access to the keys of the evidence safe and was soon arrested at his home. Authorities are now scrutinizing his connection to the case and the role he may have played in facilitating the theft.
To comprehensively address this breach of trust, investigators have questioned all personnel in the evidence office, including the records director. Searches were conducted at their homes, although no immediate evidence linking them to the crime was discovered. Meanwhile, Kemal D’s detention has been extended as investigators continue to review CCTV footage and phone records for further leads.
The Stolen Valuables
The implications of this theft extend far beyond the immediate loss of property. The stolen items included a detailed inventory that read like a treasure trove: 9,906 grams of bullion gold, 49 Ottoman reşat gold coins, over 600 bracelets, various types of gold coins, and an impressive 50 kilograms of silver. Turkish media estimated the total value of these stolen goods at approximately 150 million Turkish lira, equating to around €3 million.
What makes this incident all the more alarming is that the items were tied to a range of criminal investigations and court cases, raising questions about the security protocols in place at the courthouse.
Planning in Plain Sight
Investigators suspect that the theft may have occurred around mid-November, with Erdal T allegedly utilizing a shopping trolley—a tool typically used for transporting court files—to discreetly carry the metals past security checkpoints. Such an audacious scheme raises concerns about the overall security measures in place at the courthouse, as well as the trustworthiness of those entrusted with safeguarding sensitive materials.
The Aftermath of the Theft
Since the incident, the repercussions have rippled through various sectors. The fact that a trusted court employee was able to execute such a theft speaks volumes about potential vulnerabilities within courthouse operations. With Erdal T and his wife still fugitives in the UK, authorities are grappling with a high-stakes manhunt that not only aims to recover the stolen gold and silver but also seeks to restore public confidence in the integrity of the legal system.
As the investigation continues with eyes turned both domestically and internationally, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in maintaining security within critical institutions. The meticulous planning and execution of this theft raise alarms about the integrity and security systems in place, making it a case to watch in the times ahead.
