Turkish currency exchanges have introduced a concerning option for Russians to move money using the SBP system. A client can send rubles to a company’s account at a Russian bank and, after the transfer clears, withdraw cash at an office abroad. Izvestia reported that advertisements promoting this method appeared in private Telegram channels, highlighting how these transactions are framed for quick access to cash outside Russia.
In one scenario, the exchanger directs rubles to an account via SBP, with the cash then issued at a Turkish office located in Alanya. A separate method promises cash delivery if the transfer amount exceeds 30,000 rubles. The same service model has been offered by another firm operating in Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya, creating a network of offices capable of facilitating similar exchanges. A different scheme involves a cash ruble transfer at a Moscow exchange office, allowing the currency to be bought in Turkey. These patterns point to a broader, cross-border approach that some service providers are using to move funds through edgelines of legality.
Market observers caution that such arrangements carry substantial risk and can be fraudulent. Interviews with victims describe scenarios where counterfeit banknotes may be handed over or where individuals are subjected to theft during exchanges or deliveries, underscoring the importance of rigorous verification and risk awareness in any cross-border exchange using cash or card settlements.
On September 19, the Mir payment system stated that foreign partners can decide independently whether to process transactions involving Russian cards. As a result, Turkish banks that recognize Mir cards in the country reserve the right to refuse transactions linked to banks that remain under Western sanctions. This policy adds a layer of complexity for anyone considering these exchanges, as access to card-based services may fluctuate based on evolving sanctions and regulatory decisions. The situation underscores the need for due diligence and awareness of current sanction statuses, particularly for those who rely on cross-border cash and card transactions for personal or business purposes.