Kyrenia, Cyprus. Allegations of corruption and money laundering involving the north’s ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel and his son surfaced on Tuesday, adding pressure to an administration facing multiple criminal investigations.
Testimony cited by media
According to testimony cited by Turkish Cypriot media sources, a key witness with links to the late businessman Halil Falyalli alleged that large sums of cash were delivered to Ustel in informal settings, including an incident in which “€50,000 was handed over at a car wash in Kyrenia” to “maintain relationships”.
The witness claimed the exchanges were part of an established system of patronage linking senior political figures with organised crime syndicates.
Claims involving luxury vehicles
The same testimony alleged that Ustel’s son is involved in the import and sale of luxury vehicles, and that the business was used as a conduit for laundering illicit funds.
It was further alleged that luxury cars were imported from the United Kingdom with false customs paperwork to avoid taxes, and that cash from unknown sources was funnelled through car sales.
Allegations tied to Ustel’s previous role
Further allegations relate to Ustel’s previous role as ‘health minister’, during which he is accused of intervening so that Falyalli remained in hospital rather than being transferred to prison, despite medical assessments reportedly advising otherwise.
The claim has fuelled criticism that political influence was used to shield figures linked to organised crime from judicial processes.
Denial and political reaction
Ustel rejected the allegations, calling them “fabrications” and saying neither he nor his family has engaged in illegal activity.
He said that “no one can be declared guilty without a court decision” and that he would respect the outcome of any lawful investigation.
Opposition figures reacted sharply, with republican Turkish party (CTP) leader Sila Usar Incirli telling ‘parliament’ that “the country woke up to allegations of bribery against the prime minister” and calling for immediate action by the ‘police’ and ‘prosecution’.
What steps, if any, should the authorities take next in response to these allegations?
