The key figure in FETÖ's business network, fugitive Akın İpek, has lost a $7 billion lawsuit against him in Turkey. Mustafa Doğan İnal, the attorney representing the Republic of Turkey, announced that Turkey had secured its largest victory against FETÖ in an international court. Akın İpek’s UK-based Ipek Investment Ltd. sought $7 billion in damages, but the court ruled in favor of Turkey.
The Case Process and Outcomes
FETÖ associate Akın İpek initiated a lawsuit in a Washington-based arbitration court in 2018, regarding the seizure of Ipek Koza properties. Following a 4-year-long trial, the court ruled in favor of Turkey. This lawsuit, which handled the compensation case related to property seizures, marks the largest case launched by FETÖ in an international court. Mustafa Doğan İnal, Turkey's lawyer, joyfully announced on Twitter, “We won the case Akın İpek's Ipek Investment filed against Turkey in ICSID! As lawyers representing the Republic of Turkey from LEXIT Law Office, we are thrilled and congratulate everyone involved.”
FAQs About the Lawsuit
Who is Akın İpek and Why is He a Fugitive?
Akın İpek is a significant business figure within FETÖ. Since 2015, he has been living as a fugitive in the UK due to the seizure of his assets in Turkey’s Ipek Koza company. He fled Turkey amid accusations tied to his connections with FETÖ. Despite his legal troubles in Turkey, he continues his commercial activities from the UK.
What Was the Lawsuit About and How Did the Court Process Go?
The lawsuit centered on Akın İpek's Ipek Investment Ltd. seeking $7 billion in compensation for alleged damages resulting from the seizure of Ipek Koza assets. The legal proceedings began in 2018 in a Washington-based arbitration court and were resolved in 4 years, with the ruling favoring Turkey. During the trial, both parties presented copious evidence and documents to substantiate their claims. The court considered the FETÖ affiliations of the seized assets and concluded that Turkey’s actions were justified.
Most Frequently Asked
Why Did Turkey Seize the Ipek Koza Properties?
The Turkish government seized the Ipek Koza properties as part of a broad crackdown on assets linked to FETÖ, the group accused of orchestrating the failed coup in 2016. The government alleged that the company's assets were being used to finance illicit activities tied to FETÖ. This led to the nationalization of multiple businesses, including Ipek Koza, to prevent further financial support to FETÖ. The seizure was part of a larger legal strategy to undermine the economic base of the organization and curtail its activities both domestically and internationally.
What is the Significance of Winning This Lawsuit for Turkey?
Winning the $7 billion lawsuit against Akın İpek and his Ipek Investment Ltd. was a monumental victory for Turkey. It not only underscored the legitimacy of the Turkish government's actions in seizing FETÖ-related assets but also served as a strong message to other entities possibly linked to the organization. This ruling cemented Turkey’s international standing in its fight against FETÖ and demonstrated the global legal system's recognition of Turkey's stance. The victory also provided a significant financial and moral boost to Turkey’s efforts against the group, reinforcing the government's determination to pursue legal justice.
Who is Mustafa Doğan İnal?
Mustafa Doğan İnal, born in 1978 in Gaziantep, graduated from Istanbul University's Faculty of Law in 2001. During his university years, he was actively involved with civil society organizations and founded his law office in 2004. By 2006, he had become a legal advisor and lawyer for Albayrak Holding and Yeni Şafak Newspaper. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the Lawyers Association and is part of its advisory committee.
Since 2016, he has pursued his professional career at Lexist Consulting Services, which he established. Mustafa specializes in resolving disputes related to corporate law, shareholder disagreements, and matters within the real estate & construction sectors. His extensive experience in commercial and criminal disputes also includes representing clients as an arbitration lawyer at ICC and ICSID.
His Achievements and Awards
2020: Second Place Award for Bonds, Loans, and Sukuk Yearly Natural Resource Financing Agreement.
2019: Winner of CEE Legal Matters' Deal of the Year Award for the National Lottery License service procurement agreement.
2017: Winner of the "EMEA Finance Best Syndicated Loan" award for securing the $2.7 billion loan for the Northern Marmara Motorway Project (Total project value: $8 billion).
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