FETO’s Lawsuit Rejected: $7 Billion

Fugitive Akın İpek, a leading figure within FETÖ, has lost a significant $7 billion lawsuit in Turkey. The Republic of Turkey’s attorney Mustafa Doğan İnal declared that Turkey had achieved its largest victory against FETÖ in an international court. İpek’s UK-based Ipek Investment Ltd. initially demanded $7 billion in damages, but the court's decision favored Turkey.

The Case Process and Outcomes

FETÖ associate Akın İpek filed a lawsuit in a Washington-based arbitration court in 2018 regarding the confiscation of Ipek Koza properties. After a lengthy four-year trial, the court ruled in favor of Turkey. Recognized as the largest FETÖ-related case in an international court, this lawsuit centered on compensation claims linked to the seizure of assets. The news was shared by Mustafa Doğan İnal on Twitter, stating, “We won the case Akın İpek's Ipek Investment filed against Turkey in ICSID! As Turkey’s representative from LEXIT Law Office, we feel elated and extend our congratulations to all involved.”

FAQs About the Lawsuit

Who is Akın İpek and Why is He a Fugitive?

Akın İpek is a prominent business figure within FETÖ who has been a fugitive in the UK since 2015, following the seizure of his assets connected to the Ipek Koza company in Turkey. Accusations tied to his involvement with FETÖ led to his flight from Turkey. Despite his legal challenges back home, İpek has continued his commercial ventures from the UK.

What Was the Lawsuit About and How Did the Court Process Go?

The central issue of the lawsuit was the $7 billion compensation sought by İpek's Ipek Investment Ltd., claiming damages from the seizure of Ipek Koza's assets. Initiated in 2018 in a Washington-based arbitration court, the case concluded after four years, siding with Turkey. Throughout the trial, both parties presented substantial evidence to back their arguments. The court considered the FETÖ connections of the seized assets, ultimately validating Turkey’s actions.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What was the basis of the $7 billion claim by Akın İpek?

Akın İpek's $7 billion claim stemmed from the seizure of assets linked to his company, Ipek Koza, by the Turkish government. He contended that these actions led to significant financial losses and sought compensation through his UK-based company, Ipek Investment Ltd. The arbitration process, initiated in 2018, examined these claims carefully, ultimately ruling in favor of Turkey. The court determined that the asset seizures were justified, considering the ties to FETÖ, which led to the dismissal of İpek's compensation demands.

Why did Akın İpek flee to the UK?

Akın İpek fled to the UK in 2015 following the seizure of his assets in Turkey and subsequent accusations linked to his involvement with FETÖ. Faced with potential legal repercussions and ongoing investigations by Turkish authorities, İpek sought refuge in the UK to avoid arrest and continue his commercial activities. His flight allowed him to evade immediate legal consequences in Turkey, although he remained entangled in international legal disputes concerning his seized assets and the associated financial claims.

Who is Mustafa Doğan İnal?

Born in 1978, Mustafa Doğan İnal graduated from Istanbul University’s Faculty of Law in 2001. During his university years, he actively participated in civil society organizations and established his law office in 2004. By 2006, he became a legal advisor and lawyer for Albayrak Holding and Yeni Şafak Newspaper. İnal also plays a crucial role as a board member and advisory committee member of the Lawyers Association.

Since 2016, İnal has continued his professional journey at Lexist Consulting Services, which he founded. He specializes in solving disputes in corporate law, shareholder disagreements, and matters within the real estate and construction sectors. Additionally, he has extensive experience in commercial and criminal disputes, representing clients in arbitration cases 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).