Indian man arrested for forging passport copy in attempt to obtain residency for his mother in north Cyprus

A man has been arrested in Northern Cyprus after allegedly forging a passport photocopy to secure a residency permit for his mother. 

The suspect, SJP, 37 from India was taken into custody on charges of preparing forged documents and attempting to obtain registration through fraudulent means.

Presenting the case in court, the police stated that on July 3, 2025, at around 9:00 AM, the suspect falsified writing and forged a police officer’s signature on a passport photocopy prepared by the Girne Police Immigration Branch. The suspect then submitted the forged document to the Ministry of Interior in Lefkoşa in an attempt to register it as genuine.

Police noted that ministry staff detected inconsistencies in the document, leading to its discovery as a forgery and alerting authorities. The suspect was subsequently arrested under a warrant.

Police added that the investigation is ongoing, with further statements to be taken and additional evidence to be gathered, including verifying the suspect’s statements and requested that the suspect remain in custody for an initial period of three days to allow the investigation to proceed effectively.