Two arrested at Ercan Airport over fake resident permit

Two individuals have been remanded in custody for seven days following their arrest at Ercan Airport in connection with the use and alleged organization of a forged residency permit.

The investigation is focused on how the forged official document, purportedly approved by the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, was obtained.

One of the suspects identified as RS, a Pakistan national was apprehended at Ercan Airport on 20 June while attempting to enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) using a fake residency permit displayed on her phone. Upon being questioned by immigration officials at the passenger entry point, the suspect presented the falsified TRNC residency document, claiming it was her legal basis for entry.

The police in court testimony, revealed that the suspect's husband, MA, has been residing in the TRNC under a work permit for the past nine years. During his interrogation, MA admitted he intended to bring his wife to the TRNC. Due to his illiteracy, he claimed he sought assistance from a friend, QM, to purchase flight tickets and manage the necessary documentation.

According to MA, he paid QM ₺20,000 for this purpose. QM allegedly sent him the flight tickets and the forged residency permit via WhatsApp. MA, in turn, forwarded the fake document to his wife and instructed her to show it upon arrival.

Both MA and QM were arrested and brought before a court.

The police have launched an investigation into the origin of the forged document, which falsely bore approval from the TRNC's Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries, and are working to identify other individuals who may be connected to the case.

The judge reviewed the evidence presented and ordered that both suspects remain in custody for seven days to allow further investigation.