Turkey Targets Crypto Crime With New Withdrawal Delays and Transfer Limits

Turkey is preparing to roll out a series of strict crypto regulations aimed at curbing financial crimes tied to illegal gambling and online fraud, according to new comments from Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek.

The move signals the government’s intent to tighten oversight without shutting down legitimate digital asset activity.

Under the upcoming rules, crypto platforms will be required to delay user withdrawals by up to 72 hours in cases where origin and destination data aren’t properly verified. These wait times are part of a broader push to enforce the international “travel rule,” which demands that exchanges collect and share detailed sender and recipient information.

To further limit the flow of suspicious funds, new daily and monthly transfer caps will be set for stablecoins—$3,000 and $50,000 respectively—unless a platform meets the travel rule’s full compliance standards. Platforms that do may allow users double the limit.

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In addition, users will need to include a written reason for each transfer, and crypto firms will be obligated to track the source and purpose of all funds moving across their systems. Violators risk facing heavy penalties, including fines and potential loss of operating licenses.

Şimşek emphasized that the changes are designed to block criminal activity while preserving space for innovation and legal use of digital assets. The new rules are expected to take effect soon as Turkey ramps up its regulatory oversight of the crypto sector.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.