Turkey sounds alarm on corruption, money laundering, and tax transparency: 'Urgent reform is essential'

There is a strong cause-and-effect relationship between the informal economy, corruption, and structures outside of state oversight. Prof. Dr. Duran Bülbül notes that this structure is fed and grows as a result of political and bureaucratic interests merging with individual interests, particularly through funds.

According to Bülbül, while criminal organizations cannot sustain their existence without infiltrating public decision-making mechanisms, this situation deepens institutional corruption through interest-based relationships established with public officials. Stating that public officials become part of criminal organizations through methods such as bribery, favoritism, and blackmail, Bülbül expresses that corruption and money laundering are fundamental elements that feed each other.

International reports also confirm Turkey's poor trajectory. According to the 2023 and 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Turkey ranked 115th and 107th, respectively, with a score of 34. Although the score did not change, the change in ranking was due to the decline in other countries. Ranking last among OECD countries in tax transparency, Turkey stands out as one of the countries that often fails to provide requested tax information. Furthermore, it remains below the OECD average in the fight against money laundering.

Every year, a large amount of money, ranging from 50 billion to 1 trillion dollars, stolen from developing countries flows into offshore systems and tax havens. This capital, which is directed to centers such as London, Geneva, New York, and Miami, weakens hopes for the fight against corruption.

Bülbül stated that corruption oversight in Turkey weakened significantly, particularly in 2002 and 2016, and that this trend continues today, adding the following:

“To fight corruption, public officials must be severely punished. It is essential for Turkey to establish an independent and effective ‘Anti-Corruption Agency’ as soon as possible.”

News Source: 12punto