TikTok scandal: Fake asylum claims flood Türkiye’s route to Europe

Reports reveal a rise in questionable asylum consultancy services on social media, particularly aimed at individuals from Türkiye looking to seek refuge in Europe. Some self-proclaimed “entrepreneurs” offer to prepare official documents for a fee of $6,000, even for those without valid asylum claims.

These services, heavily promoted on TikTok, are raising concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable people.

‘Services’ offered

According to the Turkish publication Serbestiyet’s report, illegal consultancy services produce a range of fabricated documents essential for asylum applications. These include:

• Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) membership cards
• Medical reports showcasing assault
• Search warrants
• Arrest warrants
• Indictments
• Attorney declarations
• Letters of Good Intent (allegedly from HDP)

In addition to these documents, depending on the client’s needs, consultants also create tailored narratives that link life stories to the terrorist networks of the PKK or FETO, LGBT, and Alevism or atheism.

Escaping to Europe: Risky business

As the number of illegal migrants from Türkiye to Europe increases, many view asylum applications as a shortcut to Western countries. However, legal proof of persecution or pressure is necessary for a legitimate claim.

Consultancy accounts on platforms like Facebook and TikTok have become notorious for promising assistance in creating falsified documents for asylum applications.

Adverts with shady promises

Advertisements for these consultancy services make bold claims, stating:

• “We prepare complete files for asylum based on valid reasons like LGBT, FETO, or Alevism.”
• “If you lack a valid reason, we create a compelling story and evidence for you.”
• “We have hundreds of references from clients in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the U.K.”

Customized stories, routes

One consultant, who was contacted by Serbestiyet, detailed the asylum process. Stated that smuggling occured esspecially with designated trucks that regularly transport goods from Türkiye to Europe.

Upon arrival at a meeting point, clients are taken to these trucks, which then facilitate their illegal entry into Europe. After being apprehended by the police in Europe, clients submit the prepared documents to the authorities, completing their asylum process.

Rising asylum applications from Türkiye

In 2023, the number of Turkish citizens applying for asylum in EU countries skyrocketed by 82%, totaling 101,000 applications.

While 38,000 have been resolved, a staggering 83,000 remain under review, reflecting the escalating crisis of illegal migration and asylum in Europe.

Legitimacy of fabricated evidence

Lawyers and legal experts consulted by Serbestiyet confirmed that fabricated documents are designed to appear legitimate and can be verified through Türkiye’s digital judiciary platform, UYAP.

The alarming trend of false asylum consultancy services exploiting desperate individuals from Türkiye poses a significant challenge to legal systems in Europe.

This troubling reality raises further questions about the integrity of asylum processes.