04.08.2026 09:21
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that an operation was carried out in 16 provinces centered on Istanbul against a criminal organization that illegally granted Turkish citizenship to foreign nationals by showing low-priced properties as high-value through fraudulent appraisal reports. In the operation, 72 suspects were detained, and it was determined that 687 people had gained citizenship through this method. Within the scope of the investigation, trustees were appointed to 7 companies, and 1,045 real estate properties and numerous assets were seized.
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek announced that a large-scale operation was carried out against a criminal organization determined to have granted Turkish citizenship to foreign nationals through fake appraisal reports, within the scope of the investigation conducted under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Minister Gürlek stated that the operation was carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with the cooperation of the Ministries of Justice and Interior, and the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and the Istanbul Provincial Police Department.
687 PEOPLE WERE GRANTED CITIZENSHIP THROUGH THIS METHOD
Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that the criminal organization showed low-priced real estate as high-value through fake appraisal reports, carried out fraudulent sales transactions, and thus granted Turkish citizenship to foreign nationals.
Minister Gürlek explained that the entry of approximately 2.5 billion lira into Turkey was not ensured; instead, fictitious money movements were created and benefits were obtained from foreign nationals.
In the investigation, it was determined that 687 people obtained Turkish citizenship through this method.
OPERATION IN 16 PROVINCES
Within the scope of the investigation, 72 of the 90 suspects, for whom detention orders were issued, were caught in simultaneous operations conducted in 16 provinces centered in Istanbul. It was reported that efforts to catch the other suspects are ongoing.
COMPANIES AND ASSETS SEIZED
Within the scope of the operation, 7 companies were seized and trustees were appointed. Additionally, 1,045 real estate properties, a hotel in Bodrum, 15 motor vehicles, a yacht, and 10 bank accounts were seized.
Minister Gürlek announced that efforts have also been initiated to revoke the Turkish citizenship of individuals determined to have obtained citizenship through this method.
"OUR STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT COMPROMISE"
Minister of Justice Gürlek thanked the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, and the public officials involved in the operation, stating, "All means of law will be used decisively against structures that harm our state, exploit citizenship law, and gain unjust profits."