26.02.2025 12:52
With the 4th Judicial Reform Strategy Document announced by President Erdoğan, the powers of banks and financial institutions will be expanded, and their responsibilities will be increased. New obligations are being introduced in the fight against cybercrime, and a security camera detection requirement will be necessary to perform transactions at ATMs. Additionally, telephone subscription records will be updated under strict regulations, and more effective measures will be taken to combat fraud.
The first document of the Turkey Century, the 4th Judicial Reform Strategy Document, includes regulations that will expand the scope of duties and authorities of banks and financial institutions, thereby increasing their responsibilities. New obligations for banks, financial institutions, and mobile operators will be introduced to combat cyber crimes more effectively.
NEW OBLIGATIONS FOR BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The Judicial Reform Strategy Document announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on January 22 consists of 5 objectives, 45 targets, and 264 activities. The document aims to establish a more reliable and accessible justice system by increasing trust in justice, ensuring that citizens can benefit from judicial services in the fairest and most effective way, strengthening the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and eliminating the perception of impunity. The Judicial Reform Strategy Document, prepared with a vision of a predictable and timely justice system based on the rule of law, will implement necessary regulations regarding banks, financial institutions, and telephone subscriptions under its third objective, 'Increasing the Effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System.'
NO PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THOSE WHO CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED BY ATM CAMERAS
Regulations will be made to address issues arising from confiscation and forfeiture in criminal proceedings, particularly regarding fraud and theft crimes committed using banking and information systems. If the information or document requested by the public prosecutor, judge, or court is not sent within 10 days during an ongoing investigation or prosecution, administrative fines will be imposed on banks and financial institutions related to the judicial process. In crimes committed using information systems, the relevant account will be suspended for a certain period. The assets subject to the crime in the suspended account can be seized without the requirement of a report as specified in Article 128 of the Criminal Procedure Code. If it is determined that the seized assets belong to a victim of the crime, they will be returned to the owner. Additionally, under the new regulations, banks and electronic payment institutions will not be able to open accounts without verifying the identity with a chip ID. Individuals whose facial images are not identifiable by ATM security cameras will not be able to perform transactions at ATM devices. Under the amendment, ATM security camera recordings will be kept for at least 2 years.
TELEPHONE SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL BE UPDATED
To prevent crimes, the establishment of telephone subscriptions will be strictly regulated through certain identity verification methods, and new regulations will ensure that all telephone subscription records are updated. Lines that do not have their subscription records updated within the specified period will be blocked from communication. Citizens will be allowed a maximum of 3 mobile communication lines, while foreigners will be allowed a maximum of 1. Telephone lines identified as being used in fraud crimes may be disconnected. If the information or document requested by the public prosecutor, judge, or court is not sent within 10 days during an ongoing investigation or prosecution, administrative fines may be imposed on operator companies by the public prosecutor.