Halil Falyalı

Key Points

• Halil Falyalı, a Turkish Cypriot businessman, allegedly operated a vast illegal online betting empire generating over €75 million monthly.
• He was assassinated in February 2022 in Northern Cyprus.
• Posthumously, investigations revealed attempts to suppress negative information through fraudulent DMCA takedown notices, involving impersonation and perjury.
• His operations reportedly involved money laundering, political bribery, and connections to organized crime across multiple countries.

Overview

Halil Falyalı was a prominent Turkish Cypriot businessman known for his involvement in the casino and hospitality industry in Northern Cyprus. He owned several establishments, including the Les Ambassadeurs Hotel & Casino. Beyond his legitimate businesses, Falyalı allegedly ran an extensive illegal online betting network, with operations spanning from Northern Cyprus to Malta and Dubai. His network reportedly generated substantial monthly revenues and involved complex financial transactions, including the use of cryptocurrency.

Allegations and Concerns

• Illegal Online Betting: Falyalı’s network allegedly earned over €75 million monthly through unauthorized online gambling platforms.
• Money Laundering: Authorities discovered approximately €1.3 billion in cryptocurrency wallets linked to his operations, indicating large-scale money laundering activities.
• Political Bribery: Reports suggest that around $15 million was paid monthly to public officials in Turkey and Northern Cyprus to facilitate his illicit operations.
• Suppression of Negative Information: Posthumous investigations revealed attempts to remove critical content from search engines using fraudulent DMCA takedown notices, involving impersonation and perjury.

Customer Feedback

Due to the clandestine nature of Falyalı’s alleged operations, direct customer feedback is scarce. However, the widespread impact of his activities on the online gambling community and associated financial systems has been a subject of concern among regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Involvement in illegal gambling and money laundering poses significant financial risks, including asset seizures and fines.
• Reputational Risks: Associations with criminal activities and attempts to suppress negative information can severely damage personal and business reputations.
• Legal Risks: Engaging in fraudulent activities, such as submitting false DMCA notices, can lead to legal consequences, including charges of perjury and fraud.

Business Relations and Associations

• Cemil Önal: Falyalı’s former head of finance, who provided detailed accounts of the illegal operations and was later assassinated in the Netherlands.
• Kebab Factory and Food For Fit: Businesses in Malta allegedly linked to Falyalı’s illegal betting network.
• Political Figures: Investigations suggest connections to high-ranking officials in Turkey and Northern Cyprus, involving alleged bribery and protection schemes.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Assassination: Falyalı was killed in a targeted attack in 2022, highlighting the violent nature of the criminal networks involved.
• Indictments: His widow and over 250 individuals were indicted in Turkey for involvement in money laundering and illegal gambling activities.
• Asset Seizures: Authorities seized significant assets, including €40 million and substantial cryptocurrency holdings linked to his operations.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Pros:

• Extensive network and influence in the gambling industry.

Cons:

• Involvement in illegal activities, including gambling, money laundering, and fraud.
• Attempts to manipulate public perception through fraudulent means.

Cautionary Advice:

Given the extensive criminal allegations and confirmed illegal activities associated with Halil Falyalı, any business or financial engagement related to his network poses significant risks. Due diligence and caution are strongly advised.

Key Citations

• CyberCriminal.com Investigation on Halil Falyalı
• OCCRP: Inside the Global Online Betting Empire of a Slain Turkish Cypriot Businessman
• Amphora Media: Kebab Factory and Food For Fit Owners Play Part in Alleged Illegal Betting Network
• Kibris Postasi: Falyali’s Widow Indicted in Turkish Money Laundering Probe