Man arrested at Ercan Airport over the theft of two Nokia phones 20 years ago

An individual was arrested at Ercan Airport upon his return to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in connection with a theft allegation dating back nearly two decades.

The suspect identified as MB, a Turkish national is accused of failing to return two mobile phones entrusted to him by colleagues while working at a restaurant in Gönyeli in 2006.

The suspect was brought to court on Thursday charged with theft.

Police officer who testified against the suspect in court stated that MB was employed as a waiter at a restaurant in Gönyeli at the time of the incident. On April 17, 2006, he allegedly borrowed a Nokia 6100 mobile phone, valued at 400 TL, from a coworker and failed to return it. On the same day, he is also accused of taking another mobile phone — a Nokia 6230 valued at 350 TL — from a different colleague under similar circumstances, also failing to return it.

According to police, MB left the TRNC on April 22, 2006. He remained outside the country until June 25, 2025, when he was apprehended upon arrival at Ercan Airport.

Police requested that the suspect be held in custody for one day as the investigation is ongoing and additional statements need to be taken.

The suspect who spoke in court, denied the charges brought against him.

After reviewing the testimony, the judge ordered that the suspect remain in custody for one day while the investigation continues.