Citizenship Fraud Operation in Istanbul: 26 Suspects Arrested

During the work carried out by the teams of the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Anti-Immigrant Smuggling Branch Directorate, information was obtained that some real estate sales to foreign nationals who acquired Turkish citizenship through property acquisition did not reflect the truth.

Within the scope of the investigation initiated thereupon, the records obtained from the Regional Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, expert reports, MASAK analyzes and other information and documents were evaluated together. During the investigations, it was determined that the foreign exchange inflow required for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship was not actually provided and that the buying and selling transactions were carried out in a way that did not reflect reality, using the financial resources of intermediary companies or sellers.

In addition, it was determined that transactions contrary to the Turkish Citizenship Law No. 5901 were established by preparing false, high-priced expert reports and that unfair benefits were obtained from foreign nationals with this method. Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that 1,070 foreign nationals acquired Turkish citizenship as a result of transactions that did not reflect the truth, and that a total of 72 million 250 thousand dollars of transactions that were shown to have been carried out due to these transactions did not reflect the truth.

It was learned that the necessary administrative process has been initiated for the cancellation of illegally acquired citizenships. An arrest warrant was issued for 88 suspects for the crimes of "establishing, managing and being a member of an organization for the purpose of committing a crime", "immigrant smuggling", "fraud at the expense of public institutions and organizations" and "forgery of documents".

TRUSTEE HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO COMPANIES

A simultaneous operation was organized in 13 provinces centered in Istanbul. 74 suspects were detained during the operation. Searches were made in 78 home addresses and companies belonging to the suspects. In addition to digital materials, 2,011 real estate properties, 1 hotel in Bağcılar, 86 motor vehicles, 2 yachts, 42 bank accounts and 30 joint-stock companies were seized during the searches. It was reported that trustees were appointed to the companies in question.

26 SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED

26 of the 74 suspects who were referred to the courthouse after their statements at the police station were arrested by the court, while 48 people were released on condition of judicial control.