Phone fraud scheme uncovered: Two suspects arrested in Lefkosia

Lefkosia, TRNC — Two suspects have been arrested in Lefkosia on charges of forging and circulating fake bank payment documents, unlawfully using personal data, and residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) without authorization. 

According to police, the suspects identified as ZB abd AB from Uzbekistan used the fraudulent documents to purchase 11 mobile phones worth a total of 187,484 Turkish Lira.

The suspects were brought before the Lefkosia district court, where police presented details of the case. 

According to the police, in 2024 and 2025, the suspects came into contact with an individual using the alias "Sülün Osman" via the messaging platform Telegram. This individual allegedly created fake bank advertisement pages to steal credit card information from unsuspecting users and then passed the data on to the suspects.

Using the stolen credit card information, the suspects allegedly purchased 11 Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro smartphones through an online application belonging to a local business in Lefkosia. The transactions were completed using forged bank payment documents, resulting in a total financial gain of 187,484 TL through fraudulent means.

Additionally, an immigration check revealed that AB had been residing in the TRNC without legal permission for 542 days, dating back to September 30, 2023. Both suspects were arrested, and a search of their residence led to the seizure of two computers and two mobile phones as evidence.

Police noted that the investigation is still in its early stages, with more statements to be collected and documents and surveillance footage to be examined. Authorities requested that the suspects be held in custody for an initial period of three days.

AB’s attorney also requested that his client be evaluated at the Barış Psychiatric Hospital due to concerns regarding his mental health.

The presiding judge ordered the detention of both suspects for three days and mandated that they undergo medical examination.

The investigation is ongoing.