Citizenship Gang Operation: Two Businessmen Arrested, Properties and Hotel Seized

A total of 32 people were arrested in an operation against a gang that provided citizenship to foreigners through illegal means. The arrested individuals include businessmen Halil İbrahim Babacan and Mehmet Babacan.The operation resulted in the seizure of over 1,045 properties, a hotel, and numerous vehicles. Additionally, 10 bank accounts and some companies were placed under trusteeship.The investigation, led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targeted illegal citizenship transactions conducted in exchange for money. The operation, which spanned 16 provinces, saw the detention of 72 suspects.The investigation uncovered a loss of approximately 2.5 billion lira, which was replaced with fictitious financial transactions. Furthermore, it was discovered that 687 individuals had obtained citizenship through this method.