Ankara: Trkiye aims to combat the financing of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by establishing a working group of seven ministries and various institutions under its Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK).

According to Anadolu Agency, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a directive to fight against WMD financing, urging all public institutions and organizations to cooperate, as detailed in the March 29 issue of the country's Official Gazette. MASAK has prepared a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts for 2025-29, in collaboration with relevant parties against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons that pose significant national and international threats to security.

These weapons are directly linked to financial networks and economic structures, making the fight against their financing a crucial element in combating terrorism and preserving peace. Trkiye aims to enhance cooperation between authorized parties engaged in this fight through the new working group, which includes representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, National Defense, Energy and Natural Resources, Treasury and Finance, and Justice.

Additionally, representatives with technical expertise from the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), the Capital Markets Board (CMB), and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority will participate. The working group will evaluate expert opinions, potential threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation measures, and will prepare and update guidelines on combating WMD financing.

Trkiye also plans to collaborate with the private sector. This includes awareness activities with private sector representatives, developing measures against individuals and groups financing WMD, exchanging intelligence, and strengthening international cooperation. An action plan will be prepared for national risk assessment to address identified risks.