Five foreign nationals detained for overstaying in Northern Cyprus

Five individuals found to have been living illegally in Northern Cyprus for extended periods have been ordered to remain in custody for an additional eight days as the investigation continues.

The suspects—identified as MF, MI, SB, MF and AK—were arrested and brought before the Lefkoşa District Court after being apprehended by Crime Prevention Branch teams on patrol in Lefkoşa around 11:00 AM on June 29, 2025.

Presenting the case in court, the police stated that immigration checks revealed that MF had been residing illegally for 484 days since March 2, 2024; MI for 240 days since November 11, 2024; SB for 963 days since August 22, 2022; MF for 576 days since December 1, 2023; and AK for 223 days since November 18, 2024.

Police reported that the suspects had initially been remanded for three days, during which correspondence with immigration authorities was initiated regarding their potential deportation. With the investigation ongoing, police requested an additional eight-day detention to complete necessary procedures.

After evaluating the evidence, the judge ordered that the suspects remain in custody for eight more days.