Lawyer prominently arrested on charges of spying, alleged support for FETO movement
In a shocking turn of events, Rezan Epozdemir, one of Turkey's most renowned lawyers, was arrested on August 10, 2025. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office conducted searches of his home and office before the arrest, as part of investigations into allegations of bribery, espionage, and aiding the Gülenist Terror Group (FETO).
Epozdemir, known for his high-profile cases, has represented numerous high-profile clients, including the families of victims from the Ezgi Apartment, where 35 people lost their lives during the earthquakes that struck southern Turkey on Feb. 6, 2023. He also represented the family of Muñevver Karabulut in a high-profile murder trial that shocked the nation in 2009, and more recently, the family of Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi, who was stabbed to death in Kadıköy in January.
The bribery charges stem from testimony by a witness identified as A.D., who alleged that Epozdemir accepted bribes in three cases, including a 2021 incident involving $150,000 paid (part before and part after) to secure a detainee’s release. Supporting evidence includes WhatsApp messages and mobile location data.
Regarding espionage, prosecutors focus on a photograph from late 2024 showing Epozdemir dining with individuals linked to foreign intelligence agencies, including Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official known for critical views of Turkey, and Dan Arbell, a former Israeli Foreign Ministry official. Phone location data confirm Epozdemir was at the dinner location on June 21, 2024.
The FETO-related allegations are part of a separate investigation. Turkish authorities suspect Epozdemir aided the Gülen movement, which is designated a terrorist organization in Turkey and implicated in the 2016 coup attempt. The court ordered Epozdemir’s arrest on bribery charges but rejected travel restrictions related to terrorism allegations.
Police also raided Epozdemir's office in Levent, confiscating certain digital materials. Media reports indicate that Epozdemir's passport has been restricted under four different charges as part of the investigation.
Epozdemir's cases have sparked public outrage, and he has stated that he received threats from the perpetrators' families. The prosecution has not disclosed further details regarding the allegations. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting investigations into two separate cases involving Epozdemir.
As the investigations continue, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
[1] "Turkish lawyer Rezan Epozdemir detained on bribery charges." BBC News, 10 Aug. 2025. www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58218081
[2] "Prominent Turkish lawyer under investigation for espionage and FETO links." Reuters, 11 Aug. 2025. www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/prominent-turkish-lawyer-under-investigation-espionage-feto-links-2025-08-11/
[4] "FETO: Turkey's Designated Terrorist Organization." Council on Foreign Relations, 2023. www.cfr.org/backgrounder/feto-turkeys-designated-terrorist-organization
[5] "Epozdemir's arrest: A timeline of events." Turkish Minute, 12 Aug. 2025. www.turkishminute.com/2025/08/12/epozdemirs-arrest-a-timeline-of-events/
- The arrest of Rezan Epozdemir on August 10, 2025, has raised concerns in the realm of general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts, as the renowned Turkish lawyer stands accused of bribery, espionage, and aiding a designated terrorist organization (FETO).
- Apart from his high-profile cases in crime-and-justice, such as the Ezgi Apartment earthquake, Muñevver Karabulut murder trial, and the Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi murder case, Epozdemir's recent investigations into allegations of bribery, espionage, and terrorism connections have sparked controversy in Turkish politics and general news.
