By The European Times | Created at 2026-10-01 07:02:08 | Updated at 2026-10-01 08:07:32
1 hour ago
Turkish authorities have uncovered a massive scheme to acquire citizenship through fictitious real estate deals. The investigation targets 1,070 individuals who obtained Turkish citizenship in connection with these questionable investments, according to TRT Haber and Anadolu Ajansı.
The Turkish Ministry of Interior reports that 263 of these individuals are investors, while the remaining 807 are their family members. Administrative proceedings to revoke their citizenship have been initiated.
The investigation is being led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities examined real estate transactions involving 734 foreign nationals and identified suspected sham operations in 274 of these cases. The total value of these transactions exceeds 3.5 billion Turkish liras.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the required foreign currency funds never actually entered Turkey; instead, financial maneuvers were used to create the impression that the investments had been made. Investigators are also examining instances of artificially inflated property valuations.
In Turkey, foreign nationals can apply for citizenship by purchasing real estate worth at least $400,000, provided they meet other legal requirements.
As part of the operation, detention orders have been issued for 88 suspects, and dozens have already been arrested. Seizure orders have been placed on 2,011 properties, a hotel, 86 vehicles, two yachts, and 42 bank accounts. Thirty companies have also been placed under supervision.
The Turkish Interior Ministry reports that, during broader reviews of the investment-based citizenship program, the citizenship status of 5,391 investors and their family members has been revoked to date due to irregularities related to the investments.
Illustrative photo: pexels-peri-2149976252-34870519
