Ankara (Turkey News): Turkey’s state-owned Halkbank has reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice, according to court records released Monday. The agreement raises the possibility of concluding the ongoing legal proceedings.
US attorney J. Clayton informed Judge Richard Berman of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York that the Department of Justice “believes this action is in the best interests of the United States to resolve the allegations against Halkbank in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.” Clayton added that the agreement advances US interests in combating terrorism financing and preventing financial support to the Iranian government.
He noted that the agreement serves the public interest, promoting national security and foreign policy objectives, and highlighted Turkish diplomatic efforts that contributed to the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and a ceasefire in Palestinian territories in 2025.
Under the terms of the agreement, Halkbank will work with a third party to review its sanctions compliance and anti-money laundering measures. A subsequent report will be submitted to the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the US attorney’s office to rectify any violations under the superseding indictment.
