Man to remanded in Custody for attempting to cross to south Cyprus with fake Italian passport

Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus – An individual has been ordered to remain in police custody for three days after he was caught allegedly attempting to cross from North to South Cyprus using a forged Italian passport at the Lokmacı border crossing.

Appearing before the Lefkoşa District Court, the suspect identified as MA faced charges related to “forgery of documents” and “circulation of a forged official document.”

The police officer who presented the facts in court stated that on May 26, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM, the suspect approached the Lokmacı checkpoint and attempted to cross into the southern part of the island using a counterfeit Italian passport issued in his name. The document was handed to immigration officers during the routine control, leading to the immediate suspicion and identification of the forgery.

During a search, authorities seized an Italian passport, an Italian national identity card, and an Iranian passport as evidence.

The officer further noted that the suspect confessed to the crime during his initial statement. However, authorities intend to further investigate the suspect’s claims and examine the seized documents at the Document Examination Unit.

With the investigation still in its early stages, police requested that the suspect be held in custody to allow time for the necessary forensic examinations and to confirm the circumstances surrounding the case.

After reviewing the police testimony and evidence, the judge approved the request, ordering that the suspect remain in detention for three days while the investigation continues.

The case adds to a growing number of incidents involving the use of forged travel documents at border crossings on the island, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by immigration and law enforcement authorities.