Release decision regarding organized crime charge in Thodex case

Faruk Fatih Özer, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Thodex, was captured in Albania on August 30, 2022, and extradited to Turkey on April 20, 2023. Özer was arrested on charges of "establishing and managing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes," "fraud using information systems, banks, or credit institutions," and "fraud by merchants, company or cooperative managers, and laundering of assets derived from crime."

RELEASE DECISION REGARDING ORGANIZED CRIME CHARGE

Thodex founder Faruk Fatih Özer appeared in court today, facing up to 11,462 years in prison. While the court ruled for the continuation of his detention on fraud charges, it issued a release decision regarding the charge of establishing an organization.

LAWYER ISSUED PRESS STATEMENT

Sevgi Erarslan, the lawyer for the Özer family, shared a press statement with the public regarding the release decision issued by the Istanbul 22nd Regional Court of Justice in the Thodex case.

The statement included the following remarks:

"A necessity has arisen to make a statement regarding the court's latest decisions in the Thodex case, which is closely followed by the public. In accordance with the universal principles of law, a person is considered innocent until their guilt is proven by a final court judgment. The presumption of innocence is one of the fundamental elements of a democratic state governed by the rule of law and guarantees the protection of the rights of suspects and defendants during the trial process."

"DETENTION CONTINUED REGARDING FRAUD CHARGE"

In the ongoing trial process concerning our clients, the court ruled for the continuation of detention regarding the fraud charge, while issuing a release decision regarding the organized crime charge. This decision once again demonstrates the dynamic nature of the judicial process and that each criminal accusation must be evaluated independently. In particular, the release decision regarding the organized crime allegation is an important legal development in terms of showing that our clients were not part of an organized criminal structure.

As a requirement of the rule of law, the right to a fair trial is a fundamental principle for everyone. Prejudgments and comments made before the trial process is completed not only undermine trust in the judiciary but also damage the fundamental rights of individuals. It should not be forgotten that a person's guilt can only be determined by a final court judgment. We would like to state that we will use all legal avenues to the fullest extent to protect the rights of our clients and ensure that fair trial processes are conducted meticulously, and that we will continue to inform the public accurately to ensure the process proceeds transparently.

The legal profession is a public service aimed at ensuring the rule of law and the establishment of justice. Ethical rules and professional principles lie at the foundation of our profession, and we remain committed to these values. At the same time, we will continue to act within the framework of the principles of legal security and fair trial, protecting the rights and interests of our clients at the highest level.

News Source: 12punto