2023-07-25 05:06:00
The two criminals, however, apparently obtained Turkish nationality in exchange for some investments, write several Flemish newspapers on Tuesday.
Bosnian Sani AM (38) and his Albanian right-hand man Flamur S. (48) are wanted by an investigating judge in Bruges for their involvement in one of the biggest drug cases Belgium has ever known. In the Kriva Rochem case, named after a company in the port of Antwerp, at least 3.2 tonnes of cocaine were introduced into the country by a criminal gang led by Flor Bressers (36). The latter has been in prison since last year.
His Bosnian and Albanian accomplices, however, are hiding safely in Türkiye. And they will remain so for some time to come, because Ankara informed Belgium at the beginning of the month that the two interested parties have meanwhile obtained Turkish nationality and therefore cannot be extradited.
Police and courts have long feared that major drug traffickers are taking advantage of the Turkish government’s policy of granting passports to those who want them in exchange for investments. Since January 6, 2022, foreigners who invest 500,000 dollars (449,000 euros) or buy property in the country can obtain Turkish citizenship.
Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld) says he is aware of the problem. “We are counting on the new Turkish government to ensure that Turkey does not become a free port for major criminals on the run.”
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