SENIOR SOMALI OFFICIALS ACCUSED OF USING EMBEZZLED PUBLIC FUNDS TO BUY LUXURY ASSETS IN TÜRKİYE
Renowned anti-corruption advocate MP Abdullahi Hashi Abib targets illicit real estate holdings of Somalia’s top officials in Türkiye. As part of his efforts, MP Abib has submitted a formal letter to Türkiye’s financial crimes and anti-corruption authorities, urging a thorough investigation into these assets.
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To: Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), Republic of Türkiye
To: General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre, Republic of Türkiye
To: Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor, Republic of Türkiye
Subject: Request for Information and Investigation into Properties Acquired by Somali Public Officials in Türkiye – Pursuant to UNCAC
Your Excellencies,
I write to you in my official capacity as a Member of Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia, entrusted with constitutional oversight over the use and protection of Somalia’s public resources.
It has come to my attention, through multiple credible reports and public sources, that senior Somali public officials have purchased real estate and other assets in Türkiye using the proceeds of corruption, embezzlement, and diversion of Somali public funds.
Legal Basis for Request
Both Somalia (acceded 2021) and Türkiye are States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). I therefore invoke the following obligations:
o Article 13 UNCAC – obliges States to enhance transparency and provide access to information to Members of Parliament and civil society in combating corruption.
o Article 14 UNCAC – requires States to establish effective measures against money laundering, including disclosure of beneficial ownership.
o Article 31 and Chapter V UNCAC – oblige States to cooperate in identifying, tracing, freezing, and recovering property derived from corruption.
In light of these binding commitments, I respectfully request that your esteemed institutions:
o MASAK – open a financial intelligence file into Somali public officials’ suspected acquisition of property and assets in Türkiye with illicit funds, and confirm the reference number of such an investigation.
o General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre – provide an official extract or certified confirmation of real estate holdings, including beneficial ownership details, registered to Somali nationals holding senior public office since 2012 to the present.
o Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor – initiate a preliminary investigation under Article 282 of the Turkish Criminal Code (money laundering) and relevant provisions of Law No. 5549 on the Prevention of Laundering Proceeds of Crime and acknowledge receipt of this request.
This is not a government-to-government request. It is an oversight request by a sitting legislator in the interest of protecting the Somali people’s assets and ensuring compliance with international law.
Failure to act would risk Türkiye’s obligations under UNCAC and undermine the global framework of anti–money laundering cooperation.
I trust in the Republic of Türkiye’s commitment to the rule of law and international cooperation in combating corruption. I respectfully request a written response to this letter confirming the actions taken.
Sincerely,
Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib – BA, MA, MASc, Ph.D
Member of Foreign Affairs Committee
Federal Republic of Somalia the House of People
Mogadishu, Somalia
MP- HOP #201 Awdal Region and Gebileh District
Leader of the Accountability and Transparency Caucus
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