Özkunt: Government Has Turned the Country into a “Money Laundering Haven”

In a written statement, Özkunt accused the government of dragging the country into a swamp of illicit financial activity, citing rampant cash flows, mass property acquisitions, an inflated luxury car market, unregulated currency movements, and unchecked online gambling and betting as signs that the TRNC has become a “money laundering haven.”

Özkunt said that the government’s policies, which align with international money laundering routes, threaten public trust, peace, and justice, and pose a serious risk to the future of society. He reminded that the government recently passed a law encouraging the inflow of large sums of untraceable cash and another that allows non-citizens to purchase up to six properties.

"Government Preparing for a Final Blow in Money Laundering"

Referring to the latest draft gambling law on the parliamentary agenda, Özkunt said it represents the government's next major step toward institutionalizing money laundering. He highlighted that, as per the Five-Year Development Plan, only 3% of currency exchange offices are inspected, while luxury car dealerships are proliferating unchecked.

“The government seems to be preparing for a final blow—an ultimate move to entrench money laundering,” he warned.

"This Legislation Is a Betrayal of the People"

Calling the bill a “monstrosity,” Özkunt said it would allow casinos to operate even near schools, legalize gambling for TRNC citizens, and turn dozens of hotels with insufficient bed capacity into casino hubs.

“We issue a clear warning: This legislation is a betrayal of the people,” he stated, adding, “If the 10th TRNC Parliament passes this bill, it will go down as one of the darkest chapters in our history. Lawmakers who support it will bear a heavy burden before future generations. Abandon these shadowy dealings immediately. You have no right to jeopardize this society’s future.”