In a statement on the fund investigation, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said, "There will be no room for any uncertainty regarding the legal nature of the voluntary returns made."
In a statement on X, Gürlek said that, in line with the will set out by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, authorities were carefully distinguishing between opportunists and investors acting in good faith in the fund investigations. He said the probes were being closely followed to protect confidence in capital markets, safeguard citizens' rights and savings and expose unlawful gains.
"A voluntary refund alone does not remove the legal liability of any real or legal person," Gürlek said, stressing that such refunds, while helping to remedy victims' losses, do not prevent the investigations from being carried out or the evidence from being assessed.
Gürlek said, "Our priority is to protect the rights of good-faith investors and ensure that the returned funds reach their rightful owners."
Minister Gürlek said, "The source, timing and amount of the returns, as well as how they reach their rightful owners, will be thoroughly examined; allegations concerning the relevant individuals and transactions will also be assessed separately from a legal perspective in light of the evidence obtained."
Asset protection measures
Gürlek said that, as part of the investigations conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, protective measures had been applied to the assets of real and legal persons believed to be linked to the transactions under investigation, in order to prevent assets from being smuggled out, transferred or hidden and to safeguard the rights of investors acting in good faith.
He added that judicial authorities would apply further asset measures if new information, documents and evidence met the legal requirements, and that the necessary steps would be taken in coordination with the relevant institutions to remedy victims' losses.
"We will work resolutely to ensure that no unlawful act goes unanswered, that grievances are remedied and that justice is fully served," Gürlek said.
Earlier in the fund investigation, the return of a 16 billion lira fund outflow from the Altınbaş family had been requested.
On Oct. 6, Gürlek said 85 suspects had been arrested in the investigation and that five people had made voluntary refunds to an account opened at the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF).
