Developer Pitching Trump Hotel in Dallas Leaves Trail of Legal, Tax Woes

He calls himself the Turkish Trump. The real estate developer says he chases deals across former Soviet republics, Central America and Africa. He boasts of advising government leaders around the world and teams up with foreign investors whose names he won't reveal. He is Mukemmel "Mike'' Sarimsakci, an admirer of President Donald Trump. And he is ready to help launch the Trump Organization's new Scion brand with a hotel in downtown Dallas. But in teaming up with Sarimsakci, the Trump family business has chosen a man with a checkered business history and murky international ties who is prone to floating big plans for projects that don't always materialize, a Dallas Morning News investigation found. Sarimsakci and his businesses have been sued dozens of times for unpaid bills and once for late tax payments. One of his companies is facing a lawsuit that contends he owes $175,000 to a business operated by former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith. The Turkish-born Sarimsakci, who lives near San Francisco, says he doesn't have "financial and/or legal difficulties.'' Through his company, Alterra, Sarimsakci has successfully overseen multimillion-dollar upgrades to one downtown Dallas building and has another renovation underway.While it's not uncommon for construction projects to encounter legal problems, experts say established commercial developers don't usually have trouble paying their property taxes on time. Sarimsakci's track record is likely to get an unusual level of scrutiny as Americans wonder who the president's sons, now in charge of the Trump Organization, do business with. Because President Trump has refused to divest his ownership in his companies, some ethics experts have warned that his business ventures — especially those involving foreign interests — could conflict with his presidential responsibilities. The administration might favor policies that benefit Trump investors and partners, but the public wouldn't be able to tell because of the secrecy cloaking the world of real estate and investments."Any investor, foreign or domestic, who is unknown creates a potential conflict that the American people can't know about,'' said Jordan Libowitz, spokesman for the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. The group sued Trump in January, alleging he already has violated the Constitution by receiving cash through his hotels from foreign guests. The White House did not immediately comment. Trump has hired a lawyer to advise his companies on how to avoid conflicts.In recent weeks, Sarimsakci has repeatedly told reporters that investors from Turkey, Kazakhstan and Qatar were investing in the Dallas Scion project. But after The News asked him to identify these investors, he said Thursday that the money for the project will come only from him and his two U.S. partners. From Turkey to Texas The News caught up with Sarimsakci, 50, by phone in February, after word spread that the Trump Organization planned to do business with him. Sarimsakci said he was in Istanbul and was too busy traveling to meet, but later answered questions about his career and background by email. Like his idol, Sarimsakci projects an image of wealth and power.   Continue reading...