A recent column by investigative journalist Timur Soykan in the BirGün daily revealed a deeply disturbing trend in Turkey: the country’s transformation into a hub for international criminal organisations.
The report highlights how the provision of cheap citizenship has opened the floodgates to an influx of mafias, turning Turkey into a major cocaine trafficking route. The country has become not only a transit point for Europe and the Middle East, but also a significant market in its own right.
Cheap citizenship and a cocaine route
Turkey’s decision to offer cheap citizenship has attracted international crime leaders, allowing them to hide behind Turkish citizenship and avoid extradition. “In recent years, cheap citizenship, laws that pave the way for money laundering, legitimisation of the mafia and corruption within the state have led to an influx of mafia into Turkey,” writes Soykan.
High-profile cases and political links
Several high-profile cases have come to light, including Rawa Majid, Ahmet Nazari, Jos Leijdekkers and others who have received Turkish citizenship. Some have even received gun licences, prompting Soykan to ask, “How can people with red notices and criminal records become Turkish citizens?”
International Concerns and Extradition Issues
Countries such as Belgium and Bolivia have expressed concerns about criminals living in Turkey, with Turkey refusing to extradite those who have obtained citizenship. “Belgium asked Turkey to extradite these people who were wanted under a red notice. However, Turkey replied that Sani Al Murdaa and Flamur Sinanaj were Turkish citizens and would not be extradited,” Soykan points out.
Glorification of mafia culture
The column also highlights the public display and glorification of mafia culture in Turkey. Figures like Çerkes Cengiz openly flaunt their underworld connections, and Soykan describes a mafia-themed birthday cake shared on social media: “The cake, filled with symbols of guns, money and drugs, sums up the situation in Turkey.”
