PRINCE Andrew is embroiled in an extraordinary High Court case over claims a Turkish millionairess was scammed out of her £40million fortune, it was reported.
The Duke of York received more than £1million from the alleged fraudster, who she believed was acting as a middleman to help Nebahat Isbilen flee political persecution in her home country, court papers say.
The Daily Telegraph said Andrew and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson were given money on behalf of Selman Turk, a former Goldman Sachs banker, who is being pursued by Nebahat, 76 .
Court documents allege that a £750,000 “gift” to the Duke came days after Turk won an award at the Duke’s Dragons Den-style competition, known as Pitch@Palace, at St James’s Palace.
A further £350,000 payment, linked to Mr Turk, was made to Prince Andrew through a third party account, which also handed £225,000 to his ex-wife.
The Duke has repaid the £750,000, but declined to comment when approached by The Telegraph.
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There is no suggestion he was party to the alleged fraud.
A spokesman for the Duchess of York said: “The Duchess was completely unaware of the allegations that have since emerged against Mr Turk.
“She is naturally concerned by what has been alleged against him.”
Turk denies the allegations.
David Halpern QC, sitting as a deputy High Court judge, granted a search of his premises earlier this month, saying there was a “strong prima facie case” for “a major fraud”.
