Investment Fraud in Turkey: English-Speaking Fraud and Loss Recovery Lawyer in Antalya
Foreign investors in Turkey can lose money through fake property sales, misused deposits, unlicensed investment platforms or business partners who disappear with the funds. In cases of investment fraud in Turkey, a lawyer can act quickly to secure evidence and assets, which is often decisive for whether any money can be recovered.
Alkan Law Office is an Antalya law firm that represents victims of fraud in criminal proceedings and civil claims. With an English-speaking lawyer handling the case, you can follow each step from abroad, while your Antalya attorney deals with prosecutors, courts and enforcement offices in Turkey.
How We Help Victims of Investment Fraud
A combined criminal and civil strategy aimed at holding those responsible to account and recovering losses where possible.
Case Assessment
Reviewing contracts, payment records, messages and company details to identify who is responsible, which assets may be reachable and which remedies are realistic.
Criminal Complaints
Preparing and filing a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor for fraud, breach of trust or forgery, and following the investigation on the victim’s behalf.
Criminal LawFreezing Assets
Requesting precautionary attachment (ihtiyati haciz), interim injunctions or seizure in the criminal investigation to prevent assets from being moved or sold.
Enforcement & BankruptcyCompensation Claims
Civil lawsuits for the return of money and compensation against the individuals and companies involved, including directors who may be personally liable.
Property & Developer Fraud
Fake or double sales of property, deposits taken for units that do not exist and projects sold without permits — pursued through criminal and civil channels together.
Construction & Tapu DisputesUnlicensed Investment Schemes
Losses through platforms or intermediaries offering investment services without the required licence, where criminal liability under capital markets legislation may arise.
Fraud and Loss Recovery Under Turkish Law
Fraud is a crime under the Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237, with heavier penalties for qualified forms such as fraud committed through information systems, banks or under the guise of commercial activity. Breach of trust and forgery may also be relevant, depending on how the loss occurred.
A criminal case does not automatically return the money. Victims generally need to pursue a civil claim for compensation as well, and to secure the other side’s assets early through precautionary measures. The criminal file is often a valuable source of evidence for the civil claim.
Offering capital market or investment services to the public without a licence is itself an offence under the Capital Markets Law, which can be relevant where losses were caused by unlicensed platforms or intermediaries.
- Turkish Criminal Code No. 5237Fraud, qualified fraud, breach of trust and forgery offences.
- Criminal Procedure Code No. 5271Criminal complaints, the investigation, seizure of assets and the rights of victims.
- Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098Liability for unlawful acts, unjust enrichment and compensation claims.
- Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law No. 2004Precautionary attachment and enforcement against the debtor’s assets.
- Capital Markets Law No. 6362Licensing of investment services and offences related to unauthorised capital market activities.
Send a short summary of your situation in English. Attorney Ahmet Alkan will review it and explain your options and the next steps — whether you are in Antalya or abroad.
How a Loss Recovery Case Proceeds in Turkey
Speed is important in fraud cases. The steps below are usually taken in parallel rather than one after the other.
- 01
Secure the Evidence
Contracts, bank transfers, messages, website records and company details are collected and preserved before they can be deleted or altered.
- 02
Criminal Complaint
A detailed complaint is filed with the public prosecutor, and the victim can take part in the proceedings through a lawyer.
- 03
Asset Protection
Precautionary attachment or seizure is requested over bank accounts, property and other assets linked to the suspects.
- 04
Civil Claim & Enforcement
A compensation lawsuit is pursued and, once a judgment is obtained, it is enforced against the attached assets.
Tip for investors: Do not pay “recovery agents” who promise to get your money back for an upfront fee. Recovery claims are a common second scam targeting fraud victims.
Investment Fraud in Turkey: Frequently Asked Questions
I have been defrauded in Turkey. What should I do first?
Stop any further payments, keep all contracts, receipts and messages, and seek legal advice as soon as possible. Early action makes it more likely that assets can be frozen before they are moved.
Can I get my money back through a criminal case?
A criminal case can lead to the conviction of those responsible and may help locate assets, but the return of the money is usually pursued through a separate civil claim. Both routes are often used together.
Can I file a criminal complaint in Turkey from abroad?
Yes. A lawyer in Turkey can file the complaint on your behalf under a power of attorney, and can represent you as the victim throughout the investigation and trial.
Is there a time limit for fraud claims in Turkey?
Yes. Both criminal prosecution and civil compensation claims are subject to limitation periods, which depend on the offence and the type of claim. Because the periods can start running from the date the loss is discovered, you should not wait.
Can company directors be held personally liable?
In some cases, yes. Criminal liability is personal, so the individuals who committed the fraud can be prosecuted, and directors who caused the loss may also face personal civil liability depending on the facts.
Your Antalya Attorney
Lost money in an investment in Turkey?
Attorney Ahmet Alkan is an English-speaking lawyer in Antalya who represents fraud victims in criminal proceedings and civil recovery claims before Turkish prosecutors, courts and enforcement offices.
The information on this page is general in nature, reflects Turkish law at the time of publication and does not constitute legal advice. For an assessment of your particular case, please consult a lawyer.
