Two foreign nationals detained in North Cyprus for illegal residency amid ongoing investigations

Haspolat, North Cyprus — June 6, 2025 — Two foreign nationals, have been ordered to remain in police custody for three days pending investigations into separate incidents, both involving unlawful residence in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The developments come amid an active investigation into a fire that broke out on June 5, 2025, in the Haspolat Industrial Zone. Authorities discovered the suspect, CMK, a Congo national in a room affected by the fire, prompting an immigration check. According to police testimony presented in court by the police, CMK has been residing in the TRNC without a valid permit for 1,657 days—since November 21, 2020.

CMK was subsequently arrested, and authorities stated that legal procedures for his deportation are underway. The police expressed concerns that CMK's release could interfere with the ongoing investigation. 

The judge granted the request, ordering his detention for three days.

In a separate case, ZE, a Pakistan national was brought before the court on charges of residing illegally in the country for 195 days. According to police testimony, ZE was found to be in violation of immigration laws during a routine check conducted at the Lefkoşa Police Department's Criminal Division at 2:25 PM on June 5.

ZE has also been taken into custody, with authorities confirming that deportation proceedings are in motion. 

The judge similarly ruled that ZE should remain in detention for three days while the investigation continues.

Both cases underscore heightened enforcement actions against illegal residency in the TRNC, as authorities move to crack down on immigration violations, particularly when discovered during unrelated criminal or safety investigations.