In a controversial decision, Greece has granted honorary citizenship to Yaşam Ayavefe, a businessman wanted under an international red notice issued by the Turkish Interpol. Ayavefe, accused of managing and operating illegal online gambling and betting networks, has been at the center of a diplomatic and legal conflict between Turkey and Greece. Despite Turkey’s formal extradition requests, Ayavefe remains free and has garnered significant privileges in Greece. The decision has sparked domestic and international debate, raising questions about justice, politics, and strategic interests.
Who is Yaşam Ayavefe?
Yaşam Ayavefe, a Turkish citizen born in 1983, has been a controversial figure for years. He is primarily accused by Turkish authorities of organizing and managing illegal online gambling and betting websites that operated internationally, violating Turkish laws. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office requested Interpol to issue a red notice against Ayavefe in March 2019. The charges include illegal betting operations and allegations of money laundering.
Ayavefe, however, is not just a fugitive but a businessman with multiple investments spanning several countries. His name has also been linked to Cyprus, Serbia, and the Dominican Republic, where he reportedly holds citizenship or residency permits. In northern Cyprus (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or TRNC), he owns stakes in tourism businesses and casinos, further complicating his legal status.
Ayavefe’s Arrest and Greece’s Role
On February 28, 2019, Yaşam Ayavefe was apprehended by Greek Interpol authorities following the red notice issued by Turkey. Turkey immediately filed for his extradition, hoping to bring him to trial for his alleged crimes. Despite his arrest, Greek authorities did not fulfill the extradition request. Instead, by October 2019, Ayavefe was granted refugee status in Greece.
The Greek judiciary reportedly cited political and religious factors, claiming that Ayavefe’s case was sensitive. According to various reports, Greek courts justified their refusal to extradite him on the grounds that Ayavefe is “Christian and anti-regime,” hinting at possible persecution should he return to Turkey. This decision created further tension between Ankara and Athens, as Turkey accused Greece of harboring a wanted criminal.
Honorary Citizenship: Greece’s Controversial Move
In June 2022, the Greek government escalated the matter further by granting honorary citizenship to Yaşam Ayavefe. The decision was signed and published in Greece’s official gazette on June 22, 2022. The decree bore the signatures of Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Interior Minister Makis Voridis, two high-ranking officials whose approval lent significant legitimacy to the decision.
The Greek government justified this move by emphasizing Ayavefe’s contributions to Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the official statement, Ayavefe donated substantial quantities of basic necessities, food, and medical supplies at a time when the national health system was at risk of collapse. The decision explicitly stated:
“The person in question provided extremely important services to Greece and made significant contributions to saving the national health system during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Further justifications included Ayavefe’s economic investments in Greece. The decree noted that his financial contributions could serve Greek interests strategically, particularly in strengthening the national economy.
The Role of the Church and Greek Officials
Reports suggest that influential figures in Greek society advocated for Ayavefe’s citizenship. Metropolitan Serafim of Piraeus, a prominent figure in the Greek Orthodox Church, recommended Ayavefe’s honorary citizenship. Serafim praised Ayavefe’s charitable donations to churches and other local institutions, including medical equipment valued at approximately €300,000.
Additionally, Minister of Development Adonis Georgiadis was instrumental in backing the proposal. Georgiadis cited Ayavefe’s investments in Greece, estimating their value at over €10 million, with a further €3 million reportedly held in Greek banks. Ayavefe’s involvement in various sectors, including tourism and real estate, added weight to the arguments supporting his honorary citizenship.
Reactions and Criticism
The Greek government’s decision to grant citizenship to a figure wanted under an international red notice sparked significant backlash both domestically and internationally.
Domestic Criticism
In Greece, opposition parties, particularly the leftist SYRIZA, criticized the move. SYRIZA accused the government of prioritizing economic interests over justice and transparency. The party pointed out Ayavefe’s questionable background and the legal complexities surrounding his fugitive status. Many questioned why a person accused of such serious crimes was rewarded with citizenship.
The Greek media also weighed in, with investigative journalists uncovering details about Ayavefe’s past. Reports highlighted concerns about his businesses in northern Cyprus, where he allegedly acquired property under dubious circumstances. The involvement of the Orthodox Church in lobbying for his citizenship further intensified the controversy.
International Reaction
From Turkey’s perspective, Greece’s decision to grant citizenship to Yaşam Ayavefe represented a direct affront. Turkish authorities expressed frustration, accusing Greece of shielding a fugitive who was actively sought under international protocols. The Ministry of Justice reiterated its formal request for Ayavefe’s extradition, emphasizing the need for judicial cooperation under international law.
The issue also raised questions within international diplomatic circles. How could a person wanted under a red notice not only evade extradition but also gain citizenship in a neighboring country? This situation underscored broader tensions between Turkey and Greece, two nations with a long history of political and territorial disputes.
Ayavefe’s Operations in Cyprus and Elsewhere
Beyond Greece, Yaşam Ayavefe’s name has surfaced in various contexts across northern Cyprus. Ayavefe reportedly owns substantial shares in Oscar Resort Hotel, a luxury establishment in Girne. His role as chairman of Selin Turizm, a company operating the hotel, has drawn scrutiny. In 2022, the TRNC government approved a significant increase in his shares, further solidifying his influence.
Additionally, Ayavefe has faced accusations of involvement in organized crime. His name was linked to the murder of casino operator Halil Falyalı in northern Cyprus. Although Ayavefe denied the allegations, the case further clouded his reputation.
Strategic Considerations for Greece
Analysts believe Greece’s decision to grant honorary citizenship to Ayavefe reflects broader strategic considerations. His financial investments and pandemic-related aid were undoubtedly influential, but the move also aligns with Greece’s efforts to attract foreign investors. By offering citizenship to individuals with substantial wealth, Greece aims to boost its economy and strengthen its position as an investment-friendly nation.
However, this approach comes with risks. Granting citizenship to individuals with controversial legal backgrounds can undermine trust in the justice system and damage international relationships. The Ayavefe case illustrates the delicate balance between economic incentives and judicial integrity.
Conclusion
The granting of honorary citizenship to Yaşam Ayavefe highlights the complex intersection of politics, law, and economics in international affairs. While Greece has justified its decision on humanitarian and economic grounds, the controversy surrounding Ayavefe’s red notice status cannot be ignored. The case has not only strained Turkish-Greek relations but also raised broader questions about the role of justice and accountability in a globalized world.
As the Ayavefe saga continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges nations face in balancing national interests with international obligations. Whether Greece’s decision will yield the promised economic benefits or fuel further tensions remains to be seen.
