Istanbul Aydın University Law Club held a seminar titled “Money Laundering in Light of Current Developments.” Moderated by Ufuk Baki, Head of the Criminal Law Department, the seminar featured presentations by Associate Professor Kerim Çakır and Professor Murat Volkan Dülger.
Providing detailed information on the crime of money laundering and the legislator, Associate Professor Kerim Çakır said, “Money laundering is a crime. Turkey has been placed on the gray list due to money laundering. This type of crime is always on the agenda. The important issue here is where this type of crime is regulated. It is among the crimes committed against the judiciary. The German Criminal Code views money laundering as theft or robbery. Turkey was on the blacklist for money laundering for a certain period. Now it is on the gray list. I must say that I do not agree with those who say this is a positive development. It doesn’t matter whether it’s gray or black. Being on any list is important. Turkey has always been in a major struggle against money laundering. In this context, all crimes that generate a certain amount of income are included in money laundering. Turkey has become a money laundering hub. Turkey’s problems with taxation bring this to light. It should be emphasized that no one should view crime as a source of income.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çakır stated that in order for the legislator to impose a specific penalty on a person for the crime of money laundering, the income derived from the predicate offense must be proven, adding, “Therefore, the predicate offense must first be established. Furthermore, the legislator has stated that the penalty imposed on the individual for the crime in question may be increased by half. From a social perspective, it can be said that many crimes are intertwined.”
“Money laundering is a crime committed against trade and the economy.”
Providing information on the fight against money laundering, Prof. Dr. Murat Volkan Dülger said, “Money laundering is primarily a crime against trade and the economy. Fighting money laundering is extremely important. This fight is also very important for Turkey. Efforts must be ongoing, and the frequent occurrence of money laundering must be stopped. As in Turkey, money laundering crimes are seen to a certain degree in every country. In this regard, developing countries in particular are urged to fight money laundering.”
Stating that money laundering is possible in every sector, Prof. Dr. Dülger concluded by saying, “Money laundering occurs in certain sectors and through certain methods. Those who commit this crime are very intelligent and extremely knowledgeable people. Therefore, prosecutors who are equally intelligent and wise must be brought before them.”
