Hitman sent from Turkey to kill businessman in north Cyprus admits he was ignorant

A man identified as Ozan Gülbahar, who admitted traveling to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to assassinate a businessman claimed ignorance in court on Tuesday.

Gülbahar told the court he had provided police with all the names involved and described his actions as a “mistake.”

The suspect was first detained on 19 September 2025 in Lefkoşa during an operation by the Crime Prevention Unit. Police searched his belongings after receiving intelligence, discovering a Beretta 7.65 mm pistol along with seven live rounds hidden in a black backpack. He was arrested at the scene.

The police testified in court that Gülbahar confessed during questioning. He reportedly admitted being sent from Istanbul to the TRNC with instructions to target a local businessman.

According to investigators, Gülbahar stated that he received a location pin and photograph of where the weapon was concealed before traveling to collect it. He later retrieved the firearm and kept it in his possession until his arrest.

The weapon has since been sent to the Police Forensic Laboratory for examination. Authorities have also reviewed numerous witness statements and CCTV recordings as part of the ongoing probe.

Police highlighted that this case marks the seventh instance in 2025 of individuals being sent from Turkey to the TRNC with the intent to commit murder or serious assault. Gülbahar’s mobile phone will also be subjected to forensic analysis as part of the investigation.

The judge approved the police request to extend Gülbahar’s detention for a further eight days to allow the investigation to continue.

In court, the suspect reiterated that he had shared all relevant information with police, adding: “I made a mistake by coming to the TRNC.”