Ertug Dilaver

Key Points

• Identity and Business: Ertuğ Dilaver is a businessman based in Northern Cyprus, primarily known for owning MAH Engineering & Construction and holding a casino license associated with Selin Turizm and Skull King Casino.
• Legal Issues: Dilaver was arrested in March 2024 on charges of “illegal online betting” in Girne, Cyprus, linked to operations at Skull King Casino, with allegations of a 13 billion TL (approximately $380 million USD) financial misconduct case.
• Associations: Connected to Yaşam Ayavefe, a figure wanted by Turkish authorities, and other individuals involved in the casino operations.
• Reputational Concerns: Mixed public perception, with earlier denials of unethical business practices in 2017, but recent allegations have significantly damaged his reputation.
• Financial Risks: Significant legal and financial liabilities due to ongoing investigations and substantial bail requirements.

Overview

Ertuğ Dilaver is a prominent businessman in Northern Cyprus, primarily recognized as the owner of MAH Engineering & Construction Company. He also holds a casino license and is associated with Selin Turizm, which operates the Skull King Casino in Girne. His business activities span construction and the gambling industry, sectors that are significant in the region’s economy. Dilaver has been a notable figure in Cyprus, with his operations drawing attention for both their scale and the controversies surrounding them. His daughter, Şanel Dilaver, has also been linked to casino-related activities, notably purchasing shares in the Oscar Resort Hotel’s casino.

Allegations and Concerns

1. Illegal Online Betting (March 2024):
   • Dilaver was arrested on March 26, 2024, in Girne, Cyprus, during a police operation targeting illegal online betting activities at Skull King Casino. The operation involved the Girne Police Directorate’s Narcotics and Financial Crimes Unit, which seized 10 mobile phones and 98 slot machines as evidence.
   • Allegations suggest that Dilaver was involved in facilitating illegal gambling through the “ZOOM” application at the casino, alongside other individuals, including casino manager Esin Yükseközcan and others.
   • Media reports claim the operation uncovered a 13 billion TL (approximately $380 million USD) financial misconduct case, though specifics on the extent of Dilaver’s involvement remain under investigation.
2. Connection to Yaşam Ayavefe:
   • Dilaver is reportedly linked to Yaşam Ayavefe, a figure wanted by Turkish authorities, described as Ayavefe’s “cashier” in Cyprus. This association raises concerns about potential involvement in broader illicit financial networks.
3. Previous Allegations (2017):
   • In 2017, Dilaver publicly addressed and denied accusations published in a Cypriot newspaper, claiming they were defamatory and politically motivated. He asserted that his businesses operate legally and fulfill all obligations to the state without resorting to bribery or unethical practices.

Customer Feedback

There is limited publicly available consumer feedback specifically related to Dilaver’s businesses, such as MAH Engineering or Skull King Casino. The lack of accessible reviews may be due to the niche nature of his operations (construction and casino management) or the regional focus of his activities. However, the following points are inferred from available information:

• Positive Feedback: No explicit positive consumer reviews were found in the provided sources. Dilaver’s 2017 statement suggests a commitment to lawful business practices, which could imply some level of customer or stakeholder trust in his construction firm prior to recent controversies.
• Negative Feedback: The 2024 arrest and allegations of illegal betting have likely eroded public trust. Media coverage, such as reports from Kıbrıs Postası and Haberalkıbrıslı, highlights public and legal scrutiny rather than direct consumer complaints.
• Example Quote: Dilaver’s 2017 response to allegations: “Our institutions are not so base or needy as to conduct business through bribery… We have no tolerance for such accusations.” This indicates an attempt to maintain a positive public image, though recent events overshadow this narrative.

Risk Considerations

1. Financial Risks:
   • Bail and Legal Costs: Dilaver was required to post 200,000 TL (approximately $5,800 USD) in cash bail and secure additional kefalet (guarantee) bonds totaling 1 million TL per individual involved, indicating significant financial exposure.
   • Potential Asset Seizure: The scale of the alleged 13 billion TL misconduct could lead to asset freezes or seizures if proven, severely impacting his financial stability.
2. Reputational Risks:
   • The high-profile arrest and association with illegal betting have damaged Dilaver’s reputation, particularly in the tightly knit business community of Northern Cyprus.
   • His connection to Yaşam Ayavefe, a wanted individual, further tarnishes his public image and could deter potential business partners.
3. Legal Risks:
   • Ongoing investigations into illegal betting activities pose a risk of criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
   • The complexity of the case, involving multiple individuals and a large financial sum, suggests potential for prolonged legal battles.

Business Relations and Associations

• Selin Turizm and Skull King Casino: Dilaver is a key stakeholder in Selin Turizm, which operates Skull King Casino. The casino was previously linked to Oscar Resort Hotel before being transferred to another individual, who is now wanted by authorities.
• Yaşam Ayavefe: Dilaver is allegedly a close associate of Ayavefe, a fugitive wanted by Turkish authorities. This connection suggests involvement in a broader network of gambling-related activities.
• Şanel Dilaver: His daughter is involved in the casino industry, having purchased shares in the Oscar Resort Hotel’s casino, indicating a family-linked business network.
• Other Individuals: The 2024 operation implicated several associates, including Esin Yükseközcan (casino manager), Taner Bozkurt (accountant), Asım Asilkan (technical manager), and others, suggesting a complex operational structure.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• March 2024 Arrest and Charges: Dilaver faces charges of “illegal online betting” following a police raid on Skull King Casino. He was detained for three days for investigation and later released on bail with conditions, including a travel ban and substantial financial guarantees.
• Bail Conditions: Dilaver and associates were ordered to pay significant cash bails (200,000 TL for Dilaver) and secure kefalet bonds, with additional requirements to report to authorities regularly.
• No Bankruptcy Records: No explicit records of personal or business bankruptcy were found in the provided sources, though the scale of the alleged financial misconduct could lead to future insolvency risks if penalties are imposed.
• 2017 Defamation Response: Dilaver’s rebuttal to earlier allegations suggests a history of defending against claims of unethical conduct, though no specific lawsuits from that period were detailed.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Pros:

• Dilaver’s ownership of MAH Engineering & Construction suggests a diversified business portfolio beyond the controversial casino operations.
• His 2017 response indicates a proactive approach to managing reputational damage, which could reflect business acumen in handling crises.
• The lack of prior bankruptcy records suggests financial stability before the 2024 allegations.

Cons:

• The serious nature of the illegal betting charges and the massive financial sum involved (13 billion TL) pose significant risks to his personal and business finances.
• Association with Yaşam Ayavefe, a wanted individual, raises concerns about involvement in illicit networks, potentially alienating legitimate business partners.
• Limited transparency and lack of consumer reviews make it difficult to assess the quality or reliability of his businesses outside of legal controversies.

Cautionary Advice:

• For Investors/Partners: Exercise extreme caution when considering business dealings with Dilaver or his associated entities (e.g., Selin Turizm, MAH Engineering). The ongoing legal investigation and high financial stakes suggest potential instability.
• For Consumers: Avoid engaging with Skull King Casino or related gambling operations until the legal proceedings are resolved, as there is a risk of financial loss or involvement in illicit activities.
• Due Diligence: Conduct thorough background checks on Dilaver’s businesses, including verifying licenses and financial records, and monitor updates on the legal case through credible sources like Kıbrıs Postası or court records.

Key Citations

1. Kıbrıs Postası (March 27, 2024): Reports on Dilaver’s arrest for illegal online betting.
2. Haberalkıbrıslı (April 3, 2024): Details the 13 billion TL case and bail conditions for Dilaver and associates.
3. Gazedda Kıbrıs (March 27, 2024): Links Dilaver to Yaşam Ayavefe and provides context on casino operations.
4. Kıbrıs Postası (April 28, 2017): Dilaver’s response to earlier allegations of unethical conduct.
5. Ajans Cyprus (Undated): Discusses public perception and casino license issues.