Istanbul police are using some of the world's most expensive sports cars as part of Turkey's new drive to crack down on organized crime. Ankara is hoping to escape international criticism over money laundering as it works to attract foreign investors.
The traffic police in Istanbul now have some of the best cars in the world.
The cars were seized in a nationwide operation against organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Analysts say Turkey's unique geography has made it an ideal hub for international crime.
“Turkey is located between two continents. Those who want to transfer an illegal commodity, such as drugs, have to work with someone here in Turkey. And in this respect, most of the criminal gangs in Europe, the United States and South America are related to those here in Turkey”, says Murat Aslan from the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research.
Many of those arrested are international crime figures wanted by Interpol, hailing from Europe, Asia and the United States.
Analysts say Turkey's lax financial controls have also made it attractive to organized crime.
“Come on, bring cash, bring diamonds, we don't really care where you got them. Just report them at the border, or deposit them in a bank, and we won't ask them any questions. This part “we will not ask them any questions”, of course, is completely contrary to the spirit of the global anti-money laundering legislation”, says Atilla Yesilada from the organization “GlobalSource Partners”.
The international anti-money laundering organization, the Financial Action Task Force, or FATF, placed Turkey on its gray list of countries that do not fight global money laundering.
Turkey's crackdown on organized crime, along with strengthening its financial controls, are part of efforts to remove itself from the list of violators of these rules and reduce its damaging economic impact.
“Commercial banks and global funds are reluctant to do business with a country that is still on the gray list due to many sanctions. If we remain on the gray list again, I think that 20 percent of the institutions that would be interested in investing in Turkey would not be able to do so for fear of the lack of respect for the rules,” says analyst Atilla Yesilada.
The Turkish government sees increased international investment as the key to solving Turkey's economic problems. This means that the crackdown on organized crime is likely to continue and the Istanbul police may continue to acquire more of these beautiful cars.