In 2003, U.S. District Court Judge Jed Rakoff commented, "I think the proof is very strong that the Uzans are business imperialists of the worst kind, in that they will go to any lengths, including fraud and racketeering, to preserve their business empire..." Cem Uzan responded by asserting that the judge "is biased against Turkey, against the Turkish people."
In 2003, U.S. District Court Judge Jed Rakoff stated, "I believe the evidence is very strong that the Uzans are the worst kind of business tycoons, willing to go to great extremes, including deceit and organized crime, to preserve their business dynasty..."