‘Jaguar’ lawsuit against Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı

A Georgia citizen has filed a criminal complaint against television commentator Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı on the grounds that he did not return two cars he had received in trust. The prosecutor's office filing alleges that Kütahyalı has been hiding the vehicles in question. Kütahyalı's lawyer, however, emphasized that the accusations against his client were baseless, stating, “My client purchased the vehicles by paying for them.”

According to a report by Dinçer Gökçe from Halk TV, a person named Nato Bagashvili is the complainant in the criminal complaint filed with the Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The petitions, which name Kütahyalı as the suspect, involve claims regarding the failure to return two automobiles. According to the filing, Bagashvili brought two Georgian-plated cars to Turkey last year and handed them over to Kütahyalı. One of the vehicles is a 2007 model Mercedes, and the other is a 2012 model Jaguar.

FACING PENALTIES

As is known, foreign-plated vehicles brought into Turkey can remain in the country for a maximum of 3 months. These vehicles must be taken out of the country before this period expires. In the prosecutor's petition, it is stated that Nato Bagashvili is now facing penalties because the vehicles in question were not taken out of Turkey.

ALLEGATION OF ‘HIDING THE VEHICLES’

The prosecutor's petition states in summary: “The suspect was warned repeatedly. The grievance he caused was explained. The suspect, who claimed to have incurred maintenance costs, has hidden the vehicles.” The petition, which includes information that Kütahyalı continues to use the vehicles in question, states: “Because the individual is under police protection, he is not stopped at any traffic checks and therefore cannot be caught.”

‘SPENT 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS ON MAINTENANCE’

According to the petition, Kütahyalı claimed he spent 30 thousand dollars on the maintenance of the vehicles and demanded that this expense be reimbursed to him. Kütahyalı's statement was taken upon the request of the prosecutor's office.

STATEMENT FROM HIS LAWYER: ‘THE REAL VICTIM IS KÜTAHYALI’

Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı’s lawyer Merve Uçanok stated in her declaration: “In this incident, my client Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı is the victim, and he is the party whose cars, which he purchased with his own money, are being targeted for extortion.” Attorney Uçanok continued her statement by saying, “When my client went to Georgia, he paid for these two cars and bought them. There is evidence and witnesses for this purchasing process. Now, these cars are being forcibly demanded back without payment.”

‘GEORGIAN SIBLINGS BROUGHT THE CARS’

Arguing that Kütahyalı is being targeted for fraud, Attorney Uçanok said, “The Georgian sister and brother who gave false testimony provided almost identical statements. Their statements are lies from start to finish. The Georgian sister and brother personally drove the car that my client Rasim Bey purchased and delivered it to him in Istanbul themselves. There is a transaction here.” Uçanok added, “My client has stated that he is ready to return the cars for the price he paid.”