Suspect in Former Istanbul Mayor’s Case Banned from Entering Northern Cyprus

The authorities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have issued an entry ban against Kaan Ketenci, the owner of an advertising company. Ketenci had previously been detained in Northern Cyprus and extradited to Turkey as part of a corruption investigation involving former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

The decision was made by the Council of Ministers following a security report from the Police Directorate and was published in the Official Gazette.

“The Council of Ministers has decided to prohibit Turkish citizen Kaan Ketenci from entering the TRNC, as he is wanted by the Turkish government for alleged involvement in a criminal organization,” the document states.

Ketenci, who runs an advertising firm, was arrested in Northern Cyprus in connection with a wide-ranging investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The case targets İmamoğlu and 99 other suspects, with charges including “leading a criminal organization,” “membership in a criminal organization,” “extortion,” “bribery,” “aggravated fraud,” “unlawful collection of personal data,” and “rigging public tenders.”

Investigators discovered that Ketenci was residing in the TRNC, and he was subsequently detained and extradited to Istanbul.

Former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was taken into custody on March 19, 2025. A prominent opposition figure, İmamoğlu is widely regarded as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s main political rival. His arrest has sparked protests across Turkey and in the TRNC.