Woman accused of embezzling over 45,000 TL from employer caught at Ercan Airport while attempting to flee north Cyprus

Lefkoşa, North Cyprus – A woman accused of embezzling tens of thousands of Turkish Lira from her employer was apprehended at Ercan Airport while allegedly attempting to flee the country. 

The suspect, identified as KÖ, a Turkish national is alleged to have stolen a total of 45,320 TL by diverting customer payments into her personal bank account. Her suspected accomplice, identified only by the initials E.Ş., remains at large.

The suspect was brought to court on Monday May 19 charged with "theft," a serious offense under the criminal code.

According to police testimony delivered in court, the alleged offenses took place between March 25, 2023, and January 29, 2025, at a D-Smart service center in the Ortaköy district of Lefkoşa. During this period, KÖ and her co-worker reportedly accepted subscription fee renewal payments from customers and instructed them to transfer funds into their personal accounts instead of the company’s official account.

Following a formal complaint, a criminal investigation was launched, resulting in arrest warrants issued for both suspects on May 17. The suspect KÖ was arrested on the afternoon of Sunday May 18 at Ercan Airport, where she was attempting to leave the country. Border officials flagged and detained her before she could board her flight.

In court, Police Officer Ahmet Çapkın stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage, collecting witness statements, and continuing efforts to locate the second suspect. 

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and the existence of an outstanding suspect, police requested an extension of KÖ’s detention.

The presiding judge granted the request, ordering that KÖ remain in police custody for an additional three days.

Law enforcement authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the apprehension of the second suspect.