Turkey Moves to Strengthen Controlled Delivery, Prosecution, and Extradition

To combat money laundering and terrorist financing, Turkey has announced plans to strengthen its controlled delivery operations, prosecution, and extradition procedures.

Authority and Jurisdiction

According to the new measures, the Chief Public Prosecutor of the State Security Court in Ankara will have the authority to decide on controlled delivery operations, provided that certain conditions are met. The jurisdictional power with respect to such operations will belong to the court where the operation terminates.

• In cases where follow-up and surveillance operations are endangered or there is a risk of evidence loss or accused escape, controlled delivery can be terminated without a decision.
• The Turkish courts’ jurisdictional power will not be affected by controlled delivery operations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The new measures also provide for penalties for individuals who:

• Disclose confidential information
• Fail to comply with regulations on customer identification, record-keeping, and the prevention of money laundering

Extradition and Repatriation

Turkey has committed to extradite Turkish nationals involved in money laundering and terrorist financing offenses, as well as repatriate seized substances, funds, and vehicles used for their transportation.

• The state where the controlled delivery operation ends will be responsible for extradition and repatriation.

Coordination Board

The new measures also provide for the establishment of a Coordination Board to oversee the implementation of anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations. The board will consist of representatives from various ministries and institutions, including: + Ministry of Justice + Finance + Interior + Treasury

Regulations and Principles

In addition, the government has committed to issuing regulations on:

• Customer identification
• Research and examination methods
• Suspicious transactions
• Property determination
• Proceeds subject to laundering
• The principles and procedures for the coordination board’s functioning

Objectives

The new measures are aimed at enhancing Turkey’s efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and bring perpetrators to justice.