The owner of the Mado restaurant chain in Turkey, Mehmet Kanbur, has been recorded threatening a victim of the devastating February 2023 earthquakes during a court hearing. The incident, which occurred in March 2026, involved Kanbur telling the plaintiff, "I will make you pay for this," after being sued for unpaid wages.
The plaintiff, a former employee, was seeking compensation after losing their home and workplace in the earthquakes. The threatening remarks were captured on the courtroom's audio recording system and subsequently shared widely on social media, leading to significant public backlash.
Following the outcry, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into Kanbur for the crime of "threatening" an individual. Legal experts state the incident could influence the ongoing labor case and result in separate criminal charges.
The Mado chain, a well-known Turkish brand, has not issued an official statement regarding the court incident. The case has intensified scrutiny on business practices and the treatment of vulnerable workers in the aftermath of the national disaster.
