A new action plan against financial crime has been developed with the strategy document to combat proceeds from money laundering and terrorist financing and to increase the effectiveness of confiscation practices in Turkey (2026-2030).
The strategy document aims to effectively carry out judicial and administrative processes related to seizure and confiscation practices against money laundering and terrorist financing offenses in Turkey and to improve compliance with commitments. At the same time, preventative and repressive measures should be implemented in a coordinated manner in order to deprive criminals of the proceeds of crime.
In addition to the criminal investigations initiated within the framework of cash controls and high-risk category crimes in accordance with the relevant circular of the General Directorate of Criminal Affairs of the Ministry of Justice, in cases where it is found that the crime of money laundering has been committed, it will be given priority to initiate investigations into this crime.
MASAK gives priority to analyzing suspicious activity reports about complex cases. Legal inquiries received will also be answered with priority. At the same time, the results of the reports prepared by MASAK are systematically followed up with the contributions of relevant institutions.
Old stock register records are transferred to the electronic environment
In all terrorism cases that involve a financing element, a “terrorism financing” investigation is initiated at the same time.
The verification of basic information in the commercial register is improved by additional data that can be obtained from other public information systems. The scope of the obligation to maintain the share register electronically will be expanded and old stocks will be transferred to the electronic environment.
In order to detect possible incorrect reports in the register of beneficial owners, the Ministry of Commerce and the Treasury conduct joint investigations at least every six months.
If an unexplained incompatibility is detected between the register of actual beneficiaries and the commercial register, the data with explanations will be reported to MASAK and the tax inspectorate. Taxpayer involvement in risk analysis studies and involvement in the audit program are also assessed.
Working groups are formed
As part of the implementation of the strategy document, new sub-working groups will be created, composed of representatives of relevant institutions, linked to the existing working groups established to assess threats and vulnerabilities related to money laundering and terrorist financing. Political goals and implementation results are discussed primarily in the meetings of the coordination committee to combat financial crime.
The Working Groups on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Threats, under the coordination of the MASAK representative, will consist of representatives with technical expertise deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Justice, the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), relevant institutions and organizations of the Ministry of Interior, the General Directorate of Customs Control of the Ministry of Commerce, the General Directorate of Accounting of the Ministry of Finance and Finance, the General Directorate of National Real Estate of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Central Bank of the Central Bank Republic of Türkiye (CBRT).
In these working groups, joint studies are carried out to improve operational effectiveness and risk assessment. In the context of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Threats Working Groups, a Legislative Sub-Working Group to discuss legislative development measures where necessary and a Case Sub-Working Group to facilitate discussions on ongoing cases at operational level may be established.
The Fragility Working Group and the Sanctions Monitoring Working Group will also be established.
Important working groups meet regularly and at least quarterly. The Presidency will be informed of the national level guidelines on the topics discussed in the strategy document, as well as the status of implementation of the strategic objectives, targets and activities, problems encountered in practice and proposed solutions.
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