Turkey to Revoke Citizenship for Hundreds of CBI Investors After Fraud Probe

When it comes to global mobility and the controversial world of citizenship by investment programs, Turkey has long been one of the most popular destinations. Since launching its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in 2017, Turkey offered a fast pathway to citizenship for foreign investors especially in real estate and capital investment sectors without requiring applicants to abandon their original nationality.

However, in late 2025, Turkish authorities initiated a sweeping crackdown on a fraudulent real-estate network. The investigation triggered procedures to revoke the citizenship of up to 451 investors who acquired passports through sham property transactions. This unprecedented enforcement raises key questions for investors and highlights the risks of compliance failures and fraudulent schemes within CBI programs.

What Happened in Turkey’s Citizenship Revocation Case

In September 2025, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that authorities launched procedures to revoke the citizenship of 451 foreign investors implicated in a large-scale fraud scheme involving fake property sales. That network allegedly sold nominally compliant properties while offering cash returns and falsified valuations, helping applicants meet the required investment thresholds illegally. Authorities also detained more than 100 people connected to the fraud, seized hundreds of assets, and charged suspects with various crimes.

Key Fraud Highlights

• A criminal organization allegedly orchestrated fake property sales to obtain citizenship unlawfully.
• Authorities seized 1,240 apartments, 65 land plots, 47 vehicles, and corporate assets tied to the fraud.
• The fraud involved investors paying the required investment threshold but receiving cash “kickbacks” while the property ownership in reality remained with original sellers.

Why This Matters for Citizenship by Investment Programs

1. Fraud consequences can be long-term

The Turkish case shows that citizenship obtained through fraudulent investment can be revoked even years later leading to loss of residency, business disruption, and deportation.

2. Legal and ethical compliance is now critical

Authorities emphasized that investors must rely only on licensed valuations, transparent banking trails, and government-recognized service providers to avoid revocation risk.

3. Public trust and political pressure

Turkey’s opposition parties have also attempted legal challenges to annul citizenships granted under CBI programs claiming constitutional violations and national identity concerns. While these lawsuits have not directly revoked investor citizenship at scale, they underscore political pressure on Turkey’s immigration policies.

4. Due diligence is the investor’s best protection

Investors in Turkey’s program whether through real estate, bank deposits, or capital investments must ensure full compliance with the law. Verified valuations, government-approved lawyers, and transparent documentation help reduce the risk of revocation.

What Investors Should Watch Out For

• Sham deals and inflated valuations: Criminal cases revealed extensive fake property transactions. Always use government-recognized, licensed valuers.
• Procedural risk: Citizenship can be revoked if gained fraudulently under Article 35 of Turkish Citizenship Law or if false documents were provided.
• Legal scrutiny and fair-trial rights: Affected investors may appeal through Turkey’s administrative and constitutional courts, and even escalate to the European Court of Human Rights in some cases.
• Political uncertainty: Political opposition continues pursuing lawsuits against past CBI-based citizenship grants, though approved investors are not immediately at risk.

How This Fits Into a Strategic Citizenship Portfolio

For investors considering Turkey’s CBI or any high-growth jurisdiction:

• Value long-term compliance over fast-track schemes, especially in countries with high political volatility.
• Review investment documentation carefully, especially in real estate deals.
• Diversify your citizenship strategy, blending Turkey with other options to protect assets and mobility.
• Consider legal counsel early good advisors can help you avoid fraud traps or incomplete filings.

Summary

Turkey’s revocation of citizenship for hundreds of foreign investors marks a defining moment in global investor migration. The crackdown revealed how fraudulent real-estate schemes can undermine citizenship programs and harm investors who believe they secured legal status. With political pressure, increased due diligence, and legal activism around CBI rights, Turkey’s case is a cautionary story for anyone pursuing investor citizenship.

If you’re evaluating Turkey’s investment pathways or comparing them with alternative options, expert guidance and legal compliance are now more important than ever.