FETO Lost the $7 Billion Lawsuit
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. 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 involved 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
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 took into consideration the FETÖ links of the seized assets and concluded that Turkey was justified in its actions.
Who is Akın İpek and Why is He a Fugitive?
Akın İpek is a prominent business figure associated with FETÖ. Since 2015, he has been a fugitive in the United Kingdom following the seizure of his assets linked to Turkey’s Ipek Koza company. He fled Turkey amid serious accusations concerning his connections with FETÖ. Despite these legal issues, Ipek continues to operate his business ventures from the UK, leveraging his experience and resources in a different country. His exile and persistent court battles highlight the broader struggles between Turkish authorities and FETÖ-linked entities.
What Was the Lawsuit About and How Did the Court Process Go?
The lawsuit concerned Akın İpek's company, Ipek Investment Ltd., and its demand for $7 billion in compensation due to the alleged damages from the seizure of Ipek Koza assets. Initiated in 2018, the case was heard at a Washington-based arbitration court and lasted for 4 years. Both parties presented considerable evidence to support their claims. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Turkey, considering the FETÖ affiliations of the seized properties. This outcome was a significant legal victory for Turkey in its ongoing battle against FETÖ-related entities.
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).