A judge has ruled that Prince Andrew can be called to give evidence in a High Court trial concerning allegations of fraud against a Turkish businessman, Nebahat Isbilen. Isbilen, a Turkish national, claims her former adviser, Selman Turk, misled her regarding a £750,000 payment made to Prince Andrew in 2019.
Turk, who denies dishonesty, sought permission to call Prince Andrew as a witness. In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Adam Johnson granted this request, allowing Turk to present a witness summary and seek evidence from the former Duke of York. The trial in London is anticipated to commence in November.
Justice Johnson stated that "given the seriousness of the allegations, both on their own terms and in light of their wider impact, fairness requires that Mr Turk should be afforded an opportunity of putting forward his own case, using the evidence he considers relevant and material." The judge further noted that while Turk can seek to call Prince Andrew, a witness summons would "likely" be necessary to compel his attendance.
It is "highly unlikely that a person in the position of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would wish voluntarily to provide a witness statement and give evidence at a trial in public proceedings," Justice Johnson commented. He added that the case involves payments made by the wife of a man described as a political prisoner in Turkey, and a dispute over the purpose of those payments.
Isbilen, who was 77 years old in 2022, comes from a wealthy background. Her husband's imprisonment in Turkey prompted her to seek assistance in moving her assets out of the country. Lawyers representing Isbilen have previously informed the court that tens of millions of her funds have allegedly been misappropriated, with Turk failing to account for the whereabouts of the money.
Justice Johnson's ruling on Friday highlighted that it has "long been Mr Turk's case" that the £750,000 payment was made voluntarily by Isbilen, who believed Prince Andrew could assist her with her husband's situation.
Prince Andrew has since repaid the money. There have been no suggestions of wrongdoing on his part in relation to these proceedings.