FETO's Major Lawsuit Defeat
Leading FETÖ figure in the business world, fugitive Akın İpek, has lost a $7 billion lawsuit filed against him in Turkey. Mustafa Doğan İnal, the attorney representing Turkey, announced that the country had won its largest case against FETÖ in an international court. Akın İpek’s UK-based Ipek Investment Ltd. demanded $7 billion in damages, but the court ruled in favor of Turkey.
The Case Process and Outcomes
FETÖ associate Akın İpek filed a lawsuit in a Washington-based arbitration court in 2018 regarding the seizure of Ipek Koza properties. After a 4-year-long trial, the court ruled in favor of Turkey. This lawsuit, which concerned the seizure-related compensation case against the state, was recognized as the largest case initiated by FETÖ in an international court. Mustafa Doğan İnal, Turkey's lawyer, announced on Twitter, “We won the case Akın İpek's Ipek Investment filed against Turkey in ICSID! As the lawyer 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 following the seizure of his assets in Turkey’s Ipek Koza company. He fled Turkey amid accusations related to his ties 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 revolved around Akın İpek's Ipek Investment Ltd. seeking $7 billion in compensation due to the alleged damages from the seizure of Ipek Koza assets. The case began in 2018 in a Washington-based arbitration court and concluded in 4 years, favoring Turkey. Throughout the process, both parties presented various evidence and documents to support their claims. The court considered the FETÖ links of the seized assets and concluded that Turkey was justified in its actions.
Most Frequently Asked
Why Did Akın İpek File a Lawsuit Against Turkey?
Akın İpek filed a lawsuit against Turkey mainly due to the seizure of his company, Ipek Koza, by Turkish authorities. He claimed that the seizure caused significant monetary damage to his UK-based company, Ipek Investment Ltd., and sought $7 billion in compensation. The lawsuit was initiated in a Washington-based arbitration court in 2018, citing unjust confiscation and financial losses. This case marked the largest legal battle initiated by a FETÖ associate against Turkey in an international court, highlighting its significance and the substantial financial stakes involved.
What was the Basis of the Court's Decision in Favor of Turkey?
The court ruled in favor of Turkey mainly because it found the seizure of Ipek Koza’s assets to be legally justified. Throughout the 4-year trial, both parties presented extensive evidence and documentation to support their claims. The court considered the connection of the seized assets to FETÖ, a group recognized for engaging in illegal activities. The presented evidence and FETÖ associations were pivotal in determining that Turkey’s actions were lawful and warranted. This ruling underscored the legitimacy of Turkey's seizure actions in combating the financial networks linked to FETÖ.
Who is Mustafa Doğan İnal?
Born in 1978 in Gaziantep, Mustafa Doğan İnal graduated from Istanbul University's Faculty of Law in 2001. Throughout his university years, he volunteered with civil society organizations and founded his law office in 2004. In 2006, he continued his career as a legal advisor and lawyer for Albayrak Holding and Yeni Şafak Newspaper. He is also a board member of the Lawyers Association and serves on its advisory committee.
Since 2016, he has been continuing his professional life at Lexist Consulting Services, which he founded. Mustafa Doğan İnal specializes in resolving disputes related to corporate law, shareholder disagreements, and issues within the real estate & construction sectors. Additionally, he has extensive experience in commercial and criminal disputes and represents 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 the $2.7 billion loan for the Northern Marmara Motorway Project (Project value: $8 billion).