Police official's brother linked to infamous gang leader

In a startling revelation, Sozcu columnist İsmail Saymaz has reported on the alleged involvement of a high-ranking police official's brother in a citizenship-by-investment scheme linked to Hakan Ayik, the notorious leader of the Comanchero motorcycle gang. The article raises serious concerns about the integrity of the Turkish citizenship process and potential oversights in the law enforcement system.

According to Saymaz's investigation, H.S., the older brother of former police officer M.S., was the Deputy Chief of Police in Ankara when M.S. facilitated real estate transactions for foreign nationals seeking residency and citizenship in Turkey. These services were allegedly offered through a company founded by M.S. in 2016, initially named V.H.M. Consultancy, later rebranded as Visa Consulting.

M.S., who had resigned from his position at the Bakırkoy Police Department, is said to have established close ties with Hakan Ayik, ultimately leading to a quasi-partnership where Ayık would refer individuals seeking residency and citizenship to M.S.'s firm. Among those referred was Duax Hohepa Ngakuru, a senior figure in the Comanchero gang and a person wanted by New Zealand authorities on charges of criminal organization membership, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

Despite Ngakuru being the subject of a Red Notice, he reportedly obtained a work permit in 2022 from the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security. He was employed as a marketing executive at Visal Consulting. This employment status seemingly covered Ngakuru's activities related to the residency and citizenship services offered by M.S.'s company.

The article highlights that Ayık's wife, Fabienne Flenur Reis, was granted a residence permit in Turkey, although her citizenship application was denied. Moreover, questions are raised concerning Ayık's access to licensed weapons and the issuance of permits for other foreign nationals with Red Notices.

Saymaz's exposé questions the oversight of Turkish intelligence and law enforcement agencies, particularly considering H.S.'s senior position within the Ankara Police Department. It suggests a potential blind spot in the vetting process for foreign nationals with criminal backgrounds seeking legal residency and citizenship in Turkey.