Türkiye ramps up efforts to combat financing of weapons of mass destruction
An oxygen bottle and a mask are displayed at the OPCW (The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands, on April 20, 2017. (AFP Photo)
Türkiye is intensifying its efforts to combat the financing of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) through a nationwide strategy led by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).
The initiative, authorized by a presidential directive signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, establishes a multi-agency working group to improve national coordination in addressing this growing threat.
The strategy was formalized following a decree published in the Official Gazette on March 29, which calls for all public institutions and organizations to act in coordination and fulfill their responsibilities in the fight against the financing of WMD proliferation.
National strategy to strengthen oversight and coordination
MASAK has developed the 2025–2029 Strategy Document for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Combating the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Türkiye.
The plan highlights the risks posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, which have direct links to financial systems and the global economy.
The document emphasizes that preventing the financing of these weapons is essential to maintaining national and international security, preserving peace, and countering terrorism.
As part of the plan, a WMD Financing Working Group will be formed. This group will include representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, national defense, energy and natural resources, interior, trade, treasury and finance, and justice. It will also feature technical experts from the National Intelligence Organization, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency, the Capital Markets Board, and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
When necessary, the General Directorate of Security, Gendarmerie General Command, Coast Guard Command, and other relevant agencies may also participate in the working group’s activities.
Technical guidance and threat assessments
The working group will analyze potential threats, assess systemic vulnerabilities, and review expert recommendations to guide national actions.
A series of operational handbooks on combating WMD financing will also be produced and updated as needed.
To ensure up-to-date planning, Türkiye will prepare a new national risk assessment report. Based on this, authorities will implement a detailed action plan and monitor its execution. As part of this process, awareness and training initiatives will be conducted across various sectors.
Public-private sector cooperation and awareness initiatives
One of the key pillars of the national strategy is increasing engagement with the private sector. Technical-level meetings will be held with private industry stakeholders to improve awareness and align compliance efforts.
Türkiye also plans to strengthen international cooperation by sharing intelligence and information with foreign counterparts. These collaborations will focus on identifying and disrupting networks involved in financing WMD proliferation.
Additionally, regulatory oversight will be enhanced to evaluate the effectiveness of inspections and audits, further supporting Türkiye’s financial integrity framework.
