This book offers a rare insight into the transnational expansion and various corners of the illicit economy in Turkey including the smuggling of pharmaceuticals, oil, antiquities, drugs, nuclear materials and cigarettes. Mahmut Cengiz and Mitchel P. Roth provide an in depth analysis of the criminals, terrorists, money launderers, and corrupt politicians at the highest levels of the Turkish government. They analyze the unintended consequences of corruption scandals which have resulted in the purging of important law enforcement and intelligence entities formerly responsible for countering terrorism and organized crime threats as well as growing political tensions with the United States.
Mahmut Cengiz is research professor at terrorism, transnational crime and corruption (TraCCC) at George Mason University. Mitchel P. Roth is professor of criminal justice and criminology at Sam Houston State University.
An insightful look at the intersection of politics and criminal activity that unraveled a region into chaos---where corruption, geography, and terrorism combined to facilitate an illicit economy trafficking in drugs, oil, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, and antiquities. To make things worse, thousands of police and judges investigating the corruption were forced out of their jobs. A thorough examination and critique of the history and current events involving organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and a political situation that has impacted a country, a region, and the rule of law. An important book from experienced authors that reveals how crime, corruption, and terrorism can combine to undermine both governments and the economies that support them.--Jay Albanese, Virginia Commonwealth University In an age when globalized politics and economics mean that corruption and criminality in one country becomes a problem for us all, it is crucial that we cast a searching eye on Turkey. This wide-ranging study is a powerful and important analysis and indictment of its slide towards 'mafia state' status under past and previous regimes.--Mark Galeotti, European University Institute This book provides a fascinating and comprehensive view of the diverse groups and forms of organized crime in Turkey facilitated by widespread corruption reaching to the top of government. Drs. Cengiz and Roth skillfully explain how Turkey's proximity to the conflict in Iraq and Syria and its strategic location along the drug route out of Afghanistan makes Turkey a key hub of smuggling and illicit trade both for criminals and terrorists. Dr. Cengiz's field experience in investigating human trafficking and corruption in Eastern Turkey brings great insight into how past conflicts shape the dynamics of the contemporary trafficking in women. This detailed and fascinating analysis of money laundering and threat finance on a massive scale in Turkey will be of particular interest to readers.--Prof. Louise Shelley, George Mason University; Director, Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC)
