Economic crimes in Turkey are among the most heavily prosecuted offenses, with penalties including large fines, asset seizures, and prison sentences. Crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, money laundering, and misuse of public funds fall under Articles 157 to 245 of the Turkish Penal Code and are frequently investigated by financial crime units, tax authorities, and MASAK. Our Turkish Law Firm represents both corporate and individual clients in complex economic crime cases. Whether you're accused of banking fraud, cryptocurrency scam, or customs manipulation, a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey from our team can provide urgent defense and strategic litigation planning. We also support businesses in internal investigations, compliance audits, and director-level risk mitigation. English speaking lawyer in Turkey support is especially vital when the defendant is a foreigner or the evidence spans multiple countries and jurisdictions.
What Are the Main Economic Crimes Prosecuted in Turkey?
Common charges include qualified fraud (nitelikli dolandırıcılık), breach of trust (güveni kötüye kullanma), tax fraud (vergi kaçakçılığı), fake invoice usage, embezzlement (zimmet), and money laundering (kara para aklama). Article 158 of the Penal Code aggravates fraud when committed through professional position, technology, or organized means. Our Turkish Lawyers dissect each charge’s legal basis and assess both intent and evidentiary quality. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey, Istanbul Law Firm uses forensic accounting, transaction review, and communication logs to defend against exaggerated or mistaken allegations. Company Lawyer Turkey counsel is critical in investigating corporate documentation, board minutes, and third-party contracts used in the case. We also advise clients on how to prevent reclassification of commercial breach into criminal fraud through clear contract and payment terms.
Role of MASAK and Financial Crime Units
MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) monitors suspicious financial activity and cooperates with prosecutors in criminal economic investigations. Banks, fintech platforms, crypto exchanges, and payment processors must report flagged transactions. Our Turkish Law Firm prepares compliance manuals, STR filings, and MASAK response strategies. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey teams intervene early to prevent escalation from regulatory to penal stage. English speaking lawyer in Turkey representation is vital for foreign institutions being investigated or fined under Turkish financial crime law. We’ve also helped founders and executives resolve MASAK inquiries through risk correction and retroactive disclosure.
Tax Evasion and Financial Statement Manipulation
Falsifying invoices, hiding income, or delaying tax declarations are prosecuted under the Tax Procedure Law and the Penal Code. Article 359 defines tax evasion as a crime and includes penalties such as asset freezing, blacklisting, and imprisonment. Our Turkish Lawyers build forensic defenses based on accounting logic, reconciliation records, and tax advisory opinions. Company Lawyer Turkey prepares legal correspondence with tax offices, draft defense petitions, and criminal settlement requests. We’ve represented hundreds of businesses under investigation for VAT fraud, cash register manipulations, and expense document abuse. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures global HQs and investors understand Turkish tax risk in M&A and audit phases.
Economic Crimes in Real Estate, Construction and Urban Transformation
Real estate fraud, fake title deed transfers, overvaluation, and illegal advance payments are rising economic crime risks. Our Real Estate Lawyer in Turkey team works with land registry, urban planning bureaus, and title officials to detect and defend against real estate manipulation charges. We also advise developers in correcting contract structures to avoid claims of fraudulent pre-sales or unauthorized financing. Turkish Law Firm litigation department coordinates with criminal, civil, and administrative units to protect both developer and buyer rights. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey support is critical in multi-party fraud claims during urban renewal disputes or cooperative housing scandals.
Corporate Criminal Liability and Director Risk
Although criminal responsibility is personal in Turkish law, companies may face severe administrative penalties, license suspensions, and reputational loss. Directors may also face prosecution for signing false documents, ignoring red flags, or assisting in fraudulent schemes. Our Company Lawyer Turkey helps executives build personal defense files and corporate compliance programs to mitigate exposure. Turkish Lawyers from our criminal, compliance, and tax teams work together to prepare internal audits and disciplinary response plans. See: Director Compliance in HR-Linked Economic Crimes. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures global risk coordination is handled properly across subsidiaries.
Banking Fraud and Unauthorized Asset Management
Bank-related economic crimes include unauthorized withdrawals, misused proxy accounts, and forged transfer instructions. Such acts are often prosecuted under both banking law and criminal fraud articles. Our Turkish Law Firm defends bankers, financial advisors, and institutions under BDDK and SPK probes. English speaking lawyer in Turkey support is essential when the accused or client is a foreign bank or fund. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey prepares swift forensic defenses, works with IT audit firms, and challenges data manipulation allegations. We’ve successfully obtained dismissal in high-profile banking fraud cases where mistaken transactions or system errors led to criminal charges. Company Lawyer Turkey also handles regulatory disclosures and employee training on red flag detection.
Money Laundering and Cryptocurrency Fraud Investigations
Money laundering cases linked to crypto transactions, shell companies, and foreign transfers are increasingly common in Turkey. Law No. 5549 and Article 282 of the Penal Code outline laundering as a criminal act, with harsh penalties. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey team traces asset flows, challenges source-of-fund presumptions, and files appeals against pre-trial detention. Turkish Lawyers work with blockchain analysis firms and foreign counsel to prove legality of crypto operations. Company Lawyer Turkey also drafts internal policies that prevent executive liability in fast-moving fintech firms. Learn more: Crypto & AML Law in Turkey.
Fraud in Public Procurement and Tender Manipulation
Bid rigging, collusion, and forged tender documents are prosecuted under Article 235 of the Penal Code. We represent contractors, procurement officials, and auditing firms in defending against such charges. Turkish Law Firm compliance teams assist with public tender ethics codes, anti-bribery training, and document authenticity review. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey also prepares political neutrality defenses where prosecutions are politically motivated. We’ve overturned convictions by exposing procedural irregularities in procurement committee evaluations. English speaking lawyer in Turkey is essential in international funding or EU-tender linked projects where donor rules also apply.
Fake Document and Invoice Offenses in Commercial Operations
Fake invoice usage, inflated expense records, or fabricated customs declarations are prosecuted as serious economic crimes. Article 359 of the Tax Procedure Law is often cited in both civil audits and criminal indictments. Our Turkish Lawyers defend executives, accounting firms, and business owners facing retrospective audits. Company Lawyer Turkey ensures all supplier agreements and invoices are reconciled with bank and customs data. We’ve prevented imprisonment in over 100 invoice fraud cases by proving documentary confusion, duplicate payment systems, or contractor misclassification. See also: Expense-Based Fraud Risk in Startup Spending.
Economic Crimes in the Real Estate Sector
From fictitious pre-sales to inflated mortgage applications, the real estate sector is a hotspot for economic criminal risk. Our Real Estate Lawyer in Turkey team collaborates with criminal and civil litigators to separate contractual breaches from criminal conduct. We’ve defended clients accused of construction fraud, title forgery, and unauthorized down payment collection. English speaking lawyer in Turkey support is key in cross-border real estate investment cases. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey also handles mortgage fraud allegations where valuation manipulation or identity abuse is claimed. Learn more: Property Transfer Misuse in Divorce and Inheritance Law.
White-Collar Crime Allegations Against Executives
CEOs, CFOs, and board members may be prosecuted for failing to prevent, disclose, or report economic crime risks. We prepare board defense files, compliance history, and whistleblower system logs. Turkish Law Firm litigation and compliance teams act fast to protect directors from reputation and asset damage. Company Lawyer Turkey also trains boards on red flag escalation and criminal liability in internal investigations. English speaking lawyer in Turkey support ensures investor relations and global PR teams receive factual updates to prevent stock or funding impact.
Investigation Defense and Pre-Trial Strategy
Economic crime investigations often involve phone taps, search warrants, and financial asset freezes. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey challenges surveillance legality, seizure procedures, and evidence handling chains. Turkish Lawyers build timelines and compliance maps to show good faith and systemic due diligence. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures accused foreign nationals receive consular notice, certified translations, and fair trial protections. Company Lawyer Turkey also prepares company-wide communication plans and investor updates during ongoing probes. Read: Internal Legal Controls for Investigation Preparedness.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense for Economic Offenses
Economic crime allegations strike at financial, reputational, and personal levels—especially when asset freezes, travel bans, or news coverage are involved. Our Turkish Law Firm brings legal, technical, and industry-specific expertise into one coordinated defense. Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey teams act rapidly in police station interventions, pre-trial motions, and court hearings. Company Lawyer Turkey support ensures business continuity and board-level risk mapping. English speaking lawyer in Turkey specialists keep global HQs and legal teams informed and aligned. As a best lawyer firm in Turkey, we win not just cases—but client confidence under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is considered an economic crime in Turkey? Fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, public tender manipulation, and document forgery.
- Can a company be prosecuted? Not criminally, but can face admin fines and license loss. Directors may be liable.
- What’s the role of MASAK? Financial crime watchdog. We prepare audit and response files.
- Are economic crimes bailable? Yes, depends on charge. We file release and risk mitigation motions.
- Can real estate deals trigger criminal claims? Yes. See: Fake Sales and Land Registry Fraud.
- Can tax violations lead to jail? Yes, under Article 359. We challenge process and intention.
- Can foreigners be accused? Yes. English speaking lawyer in Turkey ensures fair trial rights.
- Can I settle with the prosecutor? Yes. We negotiate deferred prosecution and compensation terms.
- Can I travel during investigation? Often restricted. We apply for exemption or limited release.
- Do economic crimes affect visas or citizenship? Yes, especially for residence permit and Golden Visa holders.
- How do I prove I’m innocent? Documentation, timeline, and expert defense. Ask a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey.
- Who is the best lawyer firm in Turkey for economic crime? Istanbul Law Firm—responsive, forensic, strategic.
Contact Our Turkish Law Firm
Whether you’re under investigation, accused, or facing trial, economic crimes require smart, immediate, and multidimensional defense. Istanbul Law Firm provides that edge—with Turkish Lawyers, forensic experts, and regulatory strategists in one team. Speak to a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Turkey for emergency intervention or a Company Lawyer Turkey for internal planning. English speaking lawyer in Turkey advisors coordinate global strategy and evidence presentation. Choose the best lawyer firm in Turkey to fight economic crime allegations with clarity, skill, and results.