Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2019
Federal indictment of Halkbank
The Southern District of New York charged Halkbank with participating in a conspiracy to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran. The bank disputed the allegations and challenged the court’s authority to prosecute it.
2017
United States prosecution of Mehmet Hakan Atilla
U.S. authorities arrested deputy general manager Mehmet Hakan Atilla, alleging that he helped facilitate transactions intended to evade sanctions on Iran through the U.S. financial system. He was convicted on five of six counts in 2018.
2013
Iranian oil and gold transactions controversy
Halkbank was described as an intermediary in transactions involving Iranian oil proceeds, Turkish lira, and gold purchases during a period of international restrictions on Iran. The bank maintained that precious-metals trading with Iran was not prohibited until 1 July 2013. The controversy later became part of U.S. criminal proceedings.
2013
Turkish corruption investigation
Chief executive Süleyman Aslan was arrested in a Turkish corruption investigation involving alleged bribes and businessman Reza Zarrab. The investigation unfolded amid a wider political conflict and allegations of pressure on police and prosecutors.