(MENAFN- The Peninsula) mahmoud elmazaty |
The Peninsula Online
Doha, Qatar: Renowned Turkish Chef Burak Ozdemir, also known as CZN Burak, is opening his first restaurant in Istanbul after losing his wealth to alleged fraud committed by his father.
Chef Burak told his 49.7 million Instagram followers that the "first CZN Chef Burak Restaurant in Istanbul will be opened in September in Vadi Istanbul Mall."
"Please don't believe any fake restaurants in Istanbul. This is my first restaurant in Istanbul," he added.
Burak reportedly funded his new restaurant by selling his high-end selection of luxury cars.
Earlier, Burak sought legal recourse against his father, Hasan Ozdemir, after accusing him of fraudulent activities amounting to millions of dollars.
The lawsuit is currently seeking damages worth $10 million, and it claims his father misused the assets of Burak's company, Hatay Medya, to misappropriate funds and secure loans without Burak's consent.
According to Burak, the stolen funds were used by his father to buy luxurious cars and properties.
The conflict between father and son reached its peak when it came to light that the rights to one of Ozdemir's restaurants were sold for a whopping $41 million by Hasan, according to local reports.
In a counter-statement, Hasan Ozdemir said this was not true, insisting that the funds were rightfully invested in his son's business and that there was no fraudulent intent.
He also stated that the“financial aid he received from his son was mainly intended to bolster the family brand.”
This family feud was further complicated when Burak's attempts to help victims after an earthquake in Turkey last February were hindered by his father's interference, causing a rift in their relationship.
CZN Burak, a well-known internet celebrity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, is widely loved for his lively preparation and presentation of Turkish recipes with a unique smile looking at the camera.
Alongside his professional endeavors, Burak is also recognized for donating food to the impoverished.