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Istanbul prosecutor orders detention of 417 suspects in money laundering probe

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office ordered Tuesday the detention of 417 suspects in a money laundering and terrorism financing investigation over the transfer of some billions to bank accounts abroad.

Daily Sabah TÜRKIYE
Published October 02,2018
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Police teams launched simultaneous raids across 40 provinces including Istanbul and detained so far 248 suspects, also carrying out searches of properties, according to a statement released by the office.

The investigation, carried out by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and Financial Crimes Department of Istanbul Police Directorate, was aimed at those who "targeted the economic and financial security of the Turkish Republic." The suspects also face charges for establishing a criminal organization.

Since Jan. 1, 2017, the suspects allegedly sent nearly 2.5 billion Turkish liras (nearly $420 million) to over 28,000 bank accounts abroad from various bank branches and ATMs.

They said the suspects had received a commission for sending the money to 28,088 accounts abroad and that the accounts mainly abroad belonged to Iranians living in the United States.