Turkish Authorities Dismantle Massive Citizenship Fraud Scheme Involving 1198 Fake Applications

In September 2025, Turkish authorities uncovered one of the most extensive citizenship fraud investigations in recent years. The operation revealed an organized criminal network that illegally obtained Turkish citizenship for nearly 1,200 foreign nationals through fake property sales, fictitious financial transactions, and fraudulent citizenship applications. The investigation exposed not only systematic abuse of the citizenship by investment program, but also an estimated USD 181.2 million loss in legitimate foreign currency inflow to Türkiye’s economy.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we consider this case a critical warning for foreign investors and applicants. Turkish citizenship is a legal status protected by public law, not a commercial product. Any attempt to obtain citizenship through fake applications or fraudulent intermediaries carries serious legal consequences, including revocation of citizenship, criminal liability, and long-term immigration bans.

Overview of the 2025 Turkish Citizenship Fraud Operation

According to official findings, the criminal organization exploited weaknesses in document verification by orchestrating fake real estate transfers that appeared to meet the minimum investment threshold for Turkish citizenship. In reality, no genuine sale occurred, no real capital entered the country, and financial movements were artificially simulated to deceive authorities.

Key Elements of the Fraud Scheme

The investigation revealed that the network relied on multiple layers of deception. Foreign applicants were guided to submit fake citizenship applications supported by falsified title deeds, inflated property values, and circular financial transfers designed to appear compliant with citizenship regulations. In many cases, funds never entered Türkiye or were immediately withdrawn after superficial documentation was produced.

This form of citizenship fraud not only violates immigration law but also constitutes serious criminal offenses under Turkish Penal Code provisions relating to fraud, forgery, money laundering, and organized crime.

Legal Framework Governing Turkish Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship Is a Public Law Status, Not a Commercial Transaction

Turkish citizenship is regulated under Law No. 5901 on Turkish Citizenship and related secondary legislation. While the citizenship by investment route allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship through qualifying investments, the process is strictly regulated and subject to multi-layered governmental review.

Citizenship cannot be lawfully acquired through informal arrangements, verbal guarantees, or unauthorized brokers. Any fake application submitted to administrative authorities is considered a direct violation of public order.

Mandatory Legal Compliance

Every citizenship application must satisfy all statutory requirements, including lawful source of funds, genuine property acquisition, accurate valuation reports, and transparent financial records. Any discrepancy, misrepresentation, or concealment may result in rejection or later revocation.

Criminal Consequences of Fake Citizenship Applications

Revocation of Turkish Citizenship

Under Turkish law, citizenship acquired through fraud, false declarations, or fake documentation may be revoked retroactively. This means that even years after obtaining citizenship, authorities may annul the status if fraud is later discovered.

Criminal Liability for Applicants and Facilitators

Foreign nationals who knowingly participate in citizenship fraud may face criminal prosecution alongside intermediaries, brokers, and complicit professionals. Penalties may include imprisonment, judicial fines, asset confiscation, and permanent bans from future citizenship or residency applications.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we regularly advise clients that “not knowing” the illegality of a fake application does not necessarily eliminate legal responsibility.

The Role of Unauthorized Brokers and So-Called “Shortcuts”

Why Brokers Are a Major Risk Factor

Many fraudulent citizenship cases begin with unauthorized brokers promising “guaranteed citizenship,” “discounted investment options,” or “shortcut procedures.” These promises are not legally recognized and often rely on fake applications and fraudulent documentation.

Turkish citizenship procedures do not include shortcuts. Any claim suggesting otherwise is a clear red flag.

Legal Representation vs. Brokerage Services

Only licensed attorneys may provide legal advice and representation regarding citizenship applications. Brokers who operate without legal authority often lack accountability and disappear once investigations begin, leaving applicants exposed to criminal risk.

Financial and Economic Impact of Citizenship Fraud

The 2025 investigation highlighted the broader economic damage caused by fraudulent citizenship schemes. The estimated USD 181.2 million loss represents capital that should have entered Türkiye through legitimate investment channels. Citizenship fraud undermines the credibility of the investment system and triggers stricter scrutiny for legitimate applicants.

This inevitably results in longer processing times and more rigorous audits, affecting honest foreign investors.

How Turkish Authorities Detect Fake Citizenship Applications

Advanced Cross-Checks and Audits

Turkish authorities now use integrated digital systems to cross-check property records, banking transactions, valuation reports, and residency data. Any inconsistency may trigger a full-scale investigation.

Retrospective Reviews

Importantly, citizenship files are not immune from future review. Authorities may re-examine previously approved applications if new evidence of fraud or fake documentation emerges.

How Bayraktar Attorneys Protect Foreign Investors

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we provide fully compliant, transparent, and legally secure Turkish citizenship services. Our legal team conducts extensive due diligence at every stage, ensuring that investments, documentation, and financial transfers meet all statutory requirements.

Our Legal Approach

We do not work with brokers, intermediaries, or unauthorized agents. All citizenship applications are handled directly by our attorneys, with strict compliance checks to eliminate any risk of fake applications or fraud allegations.

Our priority is not speed at the expense of legality, but long-term legal security for our clients.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we strongly advise foreign nationals to pursue Turkish citizenship only through lawful, transparent, and attorney-led processes. Legal compliance is not an obstacle — it is the only sustainable path to citizenship.