Leading figure of FETÖ in the business world, fugitive Akın İpek, has lost a $7 billion lawsuit filed against him in Turkey. Mustafa Doğan İnal, the attorney representing the Republic of Turkey, announced that Turkey had won its largest case against FETÖ in an international court. Ipek’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 involved the largest compensation case against the state 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 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
What Prompted the $7 Billion Lawsuit Against Akın İpek?
Akın İpek filed the $7 billion lawsuit because of the seizure of his company's assets by the Turkish government. He claimed that the confiscation of Ipek Koza properties was unjust, leading to significant financial losses. Taking the matter to an international arbitration court in Washington in 2018, he sought compensation. Over four years, the court investigated the case, considering the connections between FETÖ and the seized assets. Ultimately, it concluded that Turkey's actions were legitimate and ruled in favor of the Republic of Turkey.
Why is Akın İpek Living as a Fugitive in the UK?
Akın İpek fled to the UK in 2015 after the Turkish government seized his assets, accusing him of ties with FETÖ. He chose the UK for its legal protection and to continue his business operations. Despite being a significant figure within the organization and facing substantial legal actions in Turkey, he remains in the UK due to the lack of an extradition treaty between the two countries. Thus, he manages his commercial activities from overseas while evading Turkish authorities.
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 continued 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).
