Another 1,070 foreigners who may have obtained citizenship illegally have been identified in Turkey
Turkish authorities have identified another 1,070 foreigners who, according to preliminary data, illegally obtained Turkish citizenship through fraudulent real estate transactions. A new operation has been launched in Istanbul against companies involved in these transactions.
The operation was carried out Monday morning by the Istanbul Provincial Police Department under the coordination of the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office. This was reported by Turkish Minister of Justice Akin Gürlek on social media platform X.
Investigators examined real estate transactions linked to the companies Gul Insaat, Beyaz Insaat, and LIV Insaat.
According to Gürlek, the authorities have also initiated administrative procedures to revoke the citizenship of individuals who obtained it illegally.
The investigation covered real estate transactions totaling 3.5 billion Turkish lira, which is approximately $71.7 million.
Investigators reviewed transactions involving 734 foreign nationals and determined that 274 of the transactions were fraudulent.
The investigation revealed that 1,070 people, including their family members, had illegally obtained Turkish citizenship. Another 11 foreigners were in the process of obtaining it.
As part of the operation, criminal cases were opened against 88 suspects, 72 of whom were detained.
The police seized digital evidence from addresses linked to the suspects and companies involved in the investigation.
Authorities also took action regarding 2,011 properties, one hotel, 86 vehicles, two yachts, and 42 bank accounts.
In addition, 30 companies were seized and placed under external administration.
Turkey has already revoked more than 6,000 citizenships
The new operation was a continuation of an investigation conducted in August. At that time, proceedings were initiated to revoke the citizenship of 687 foreign nationals.
Investigators determined that low-value real estate was being sold at inflated prices to help foreigners meet the required investment threshold for obtaining citizenship.
Following the first wave of investigations, Turkey’s Ministry of the Interior reported that a total of 6,134 foreigners had already lost or been stripped of their citizenship. These cases include, in particular, instances involving fraudulent real estate transactions, as well as threats to public order or national security.
How Turkey’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program Works
Turkey launched its citizenship-by-investment program in 2017. Initially, the minimum investment threshold for real estate was $1 million.
In 2018, it was lowered to $250,000, and in June 2022, it was raised to $400,000. It remains at this level today.
The primary route to obtaining citizenship is through real estate investment. Other options include an investment of $500,000, a bank deposit of $500,000, government bonds or approved funds, as well as the creation of at least 50 jobs.
For most options, the investment must be maintained for at least three years. In addition, applicants must undergo a screening to ensure they meet national security and public order requirements.
Source: Turkiye Today.
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