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Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said voluntary returns made in fund investigations do not by themselves remove the legal responsibility of any real or legal person.

In a statement on the NSosyal account, Gürlek said the priority in the investigations is protecting the rights of good-faith investors and ensuring that justice is fully served.

Separating opportunists from good-faith investors

Gürlek said that, in line with the will set out by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, investigators carefully distinguish between opportunists and good-faith investors in the fund inquiries.

"We are closely following the investigations carried out to protect trust in capital markets, safeguard our citizens' rights and savings, and expose unlawful gains," Gürlek said.

Legal status of voluntary returns

The legal nature of voluntary returns made within the fund investigations will be made clear beyond any doubt, Gürlek said, adding that such a return "by itself does not eliminate the legal responsibility of any real or legal person."

Gürlek said returns that help remedy victims' losses do not block the conduct of the investigations or the evaluation of evidence. The priority is to ensure the returned sums reach their rightful owners, and the source, timing and amount of each return, along with how it is delivered, will be examined carefully. Claims about the individuals and transactions concerned will be assessed separately under the law in the light of the evidence obtained.

Asset measures and next steps

Gürlek recalled that, in investigations run by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, asset protection measures have been applied to the assets of real and legal persons deemed connected to the transactions under investigation, in order to prevent assets from being smuggled abroad, transferred or concealed and to secure the rights of good-faith investors.

Further asset measures may be imposed by the relevant judicial authorities if legal conditions are met as new information, documents and evidence emerge, Gürlek said. Steps will be taken in coordination with the relevant institutions so the investigations proceed properly and victims' losses are addressed.

"We will continue to follow this process to protect the rights of our good-faith investors and to ensure those responsible face the consequences under the law," Gürlek said, adding that the ministry will work with determination so no violation goes unanswered and justice is fully served.

Key takeaways

• Justice Minister Akın Gürlek says voluntary returns in fund investigations do not remove anyone's legal responsibility.
• The priority is to make returned sums reach their rightful owners, with source, timing and amount examined carefully.
• Asset protection measures have been applied by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to persons linked to the transactions under investigation.
• Further asset measures may follow if legal conditions are met as new evidence emerges.