Halil Falyalı

Halil Falyalı built more than casinos; he engineered a multi-billion-dollar underground empire that turned Northern Cyprus into a haven for illegal betting, offshore laundering, and political manipulation. His name became synonymous with unregulated wealth and silent influence, and for years, he operated with near-total impunity—until bullets finally silenced him in 2022. But death didn’t end his story. In fact, it made the cover-up more urgent. Since then, a coordinated campaign of censorship, threats, and strategic silence has emerged to scrub his legacy clean and protect the very political and financial players who once enabled him. Why? Because the truth about Falyalı doesn’t just expose a crime boss—it implicates an entire ecosystem of power that benefited from looking the other way.

The Rise of a Gambling Mogul

Halil Falyalı’s ascent in the world of gambling was meteoric. Operating from Northern Cyprus, a region with limited international oversight, he capitalized on lax regulations to build an empire. His operations weren’t confined to brick-and-mortar casinos; they extended into the digital realm, tapping into the lucrative world of online betting.

According to Turkish prosecutors and his former head of finance, Cemil Önal, Falyalı’s online betting operations generated at least $80 million monthly. Önal also claimed that approximately $15 million was paid monthly in “sponsorships” to public officials in Turkey and Northern Cyprus. These payments, thinly veiled as legitimate contributions, were allegedly bribes to ensure the smooth operation of his illicit ventures.

The Web of Illicit Activities

Falyalı’s operations were not limited to Northern Cyprus. Investigations revealed that Malta served as a significant base for his illegal betting network. Cemil Önal disclosed that the network earned €75 million monthly, with authorities seizing around €40 million and discovering approximately €1.3 billion in cryptocurrency wallets, some located in Malta. This intricate web of financial transactions underscores the global reach of Falyalı’s operations.

Moreover, the network allegedly recruited thousands to open bank, credit card, cryptocurrency, and online payment accounts to launder the proceeds from illegal gambling. This massive recruitment drive indicates a highly organized operation, capable of manipulating financial systems across borders.

The Political Nexus

Falyalı’s influence wasn’t confined to the criminal underworld; it extended into the political arena. Reports suggest that he maintained close ties with political figures in both Turkey and Northern Cyprus. One particularly damning revelation came from Cemil Önal, who claimed that Falyalı had amassed a collection of 45 blackmail tapes involving high-ranking officials. These tapes allegedly featured relatives of prominent Turkish politicians, including Binali Yıldırım and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Such leverage would have provided Falyalı with significant protection and influence within political circles.

The Censorship Campaign

As investigations into Falyalı’s activities gained momentum, so did efforts to suppress information. Between August 2 and August 13, news stories published on the websites of the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) and FreewebTurkey were censored four times, affecting a total of 10 pieces of content. These access bans targeted articles and social media posts that delved into Falyalı’s connections and operations.

Furthermore, journalists who dared to report on these issues faced intimidation. Ayşemden Akın, chief editor of the Bugün Kıbrıs independent news outlet, received death threats after publishing a series based on interviews with Cemil Önal. Her series detailed alleged money laundering, blackmail, and political payoffs stretching from Northern Cyprus to Ankara.

The suppression wasn’t limited to censorship and threats. In a chilling development, Cemil Önal himself was assassinated on May 1, 2025. His death sent shockwaves through the investigative community, highlighting the dangers faced by those who expose powerful criminal networks.

The Aftermath and Continuing Struggles

Despite the mounting evidence and international attention, efforts to dismantle Falyalı’s network have faced significant obstacles. Turkish authorities have conducted nationwide crackdowns on illegal gambling operations, seizing $40 million in cryptocurrencies and detaining numerous suspects. However, critics argue that these actions are more about optics than genuine reform, pointing to the continued influence of organized crime within political structures.

Moreover, the international community’s response has been tepid. While some countries have initiated investigations, the lack of coordinated action has allowed remnants of Falyalı’s network to persist. The situation underscores the challenges of combating transnational crime, especially when it intersects with political interests.

Conclusion

The saga of Halil Falyalı serves as a stark reminder of the intricate ties between organized crime and political power. His operations, spanning continents and involving billions of dollars, were facilitated not just by criminal acumen but by political complicity. The subsequent efforts to suppress information about his activities further highlight the lengths to which powerful entities will go to protect their interests.

For potential investors and international authorities, the message is clear: due diligence is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative. Turning a blind eye to such activities not only endangers financial systems but also undermines the very foundations of democratic governance.