In a series of investigative reports titled “Halil Falyalı is Alive” by journalist Ayşemden Akın, published on North Cypriot newspaper Bugün Kıbrıs, the intricate network of political connections and operational methods employed by Halil Falyalı, a prominent figure in the illegal betting industry, has been brought to light.
These revelations shed light on the deep-rooted ties between Falyalı’s operations and political figures, as well as the mechanisms that allowed his enterprise to flourish.
Political Connections:
- Judicial Manipulation: Cemil Önal, Falyalı’s former financial manager, disclosed that in Adana, legal proceedings related to illegal betting were influenced through bribes. Notably, a prosecutor referred to as “Aslan” allegedly received payments to alter the course of investigations, ensuring the release of certain individuals and the dismissal of charges against them.
- Government Ties: Investigative reports and witness testimonies indicate that Halil Falyalı maintained extensive and strategic connections with senior members of Turkey’s ruling AKP party. These ties allegedly included direct cash payments—amounting to millions of dollars—to secure political protection and obstruct investigations. Former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu is accused of receiving up to $20 million in bribes, while current Foreign Minister reportedly dispatched envoys to Northern Cyprus to retrieve sensitive blackmail material held by Falyalı. Other figures, such as an AKP spokesperson’s relative Fatih Nevzat Aysu, are also implicated in money laundering operations linked to Falyalı’s network. These relationships not only shielded Falyalı from prosecution but also enabled the seamless movement of illicit funds across jurisdictions.
Operational Methods:
- Money Laundering: Falyalı’s network utilized a complex system to launder proceeds from illegal betting. Funds were allegedly funneled through companies in Curaçao and then transferred to shell corporations in Southern Cyprus. From there, the money was moved into Northern Cyprus, often under the guise of legitimate business transactions.
- Cross-Border Collaborations: The partnership between Falyalı and Loukas Fanieros, a figure from Southern Cyprus, was instrumental in establishing a bi-communal empire that exploited the island’s division to facilitate illicit financial activities. This alliance enabled the seamless movement of funds and resources across borders, complicating enforcement efforts.
Platform Infrastructure:
- BetConstruct’s Silent Role: Multiple investigative sources, including reports referenced in Ayşemden Akın’s “Halil Falyalı Is Alive” series, suggest that a large number of betting sites operated under Falyalı’s syndicate were built on BetConstruct’s white-label platform. This Armenia-based gaming software provider is widely used in the global betting industry, offering turnkey solutions that allow operators to launch full-scale casino and sportsbook websites with minimal scrutiny. While BetConstruct has not been officially accused of wrongdoing, its technology allegedly enabled Falyalı’s network to scale rapidly and operate internationally, often beyond the reach of Turkish and international regulators. Critics argue that such platforms—by offering powerful infrastructure with little due diligence—unintentionally fuel the very black-market operations governments claim to be fighting.
Implications and Reactions
The exposé has prompted significant reactions from various quarters. Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations as baseless and announced intentions to pursue legal action against the publication. Meanwhile, political figures and civil society organizations have called for thorough investigations into the claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
These revelations underscore the challenges in combating organized crime, especially when it intertwines with political structures. The case of Halil Falyalı served as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence that such networks can wield and the importance of vigilant, independent journalism in uncovering the truth.
Suspicious Death and Enduring Legacy
Halil Falyalı was assassinated in February 2022 in Northern Cyprus, an event officially described as a gangland execution. Despite his death, many of his illicit operations and political connections remain intact and active. Journalist Ayşemden Akın, in her investigative series “Halil Falyalı is Alive” published on bugunkibris.com, uses the phrase metaphorically—arguing that although Falyalı himself is gone, the shadowy network of offshore gambling, money laundering, and political corruption he built continues to thrive. This legacy, she suggests, is protected by complicit elements within political and law enforcement structures, both in Northern Cyprus and in Turkiye.