Israeli national wanted by Interpol declared banned immigrant in north Cyprus after arrest with fake passport

Girne, July 31, 2025 — Daniel Yehonatan Zarug, an Israeli national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for charges including murder and attempted murder, has been declared a “prohibited immigrant” by the Council of Ministers of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). 

The decision was officially published in the Resmi Gazete on July 30, citing security concerns and ongoing criminal proceedings.

The 36-year-old suspect was arrested in Girne after attempting to enter the country using a forged Spanish passport under the alias Andros Garcia. Authorities confirmed that the passport, presented at the Metehan Border Crossing on May 7, 2024, was determined to be counterfeit following an initial forensic examination by the Police General Directorate's Criminal Division.

Zarug, who is internationally sought by Israeli authorities for crimes including murder, attempted murder, and various other offenses, was found staying in Girne when police apprehended him on July 30. During questioning, he failed to provide a valid identity and attempted to deceive officers with the forged travel document.

Court Proceedings and Detention

Zarug appeared before the Lefkoşa District Court, where Police Officer Umut Beyazlar testified that the suspect was being held on charges of forgery of official documents, circulation of forged documents, and fraudulent registration. The court granted a two-day extension of his detention to allow further investigation.

Police also revealed that the suspect used the fake passport not only to enter the TRNC but to attempt to legitimize his presence within the country under a false identity. The investigation into the full extent of his activities and potential local contacts is ongoing.

Government Response: Prohibited Immigrant Declaration

The TRNC Council of Ministers announced that Zarug has officially been declared a “prohibited immigrant” under Article 6(1)(g) of the Aliens and Immigration Law (Chapter 105). The decision, based on a security report from the Police General Directorate, cited concerns over public order, administrative integrity, and national security, noting that Zarug posed a potential threat by inciting hostility among the public and undermining state authority.

The official statement from the Resmi Gazete reads: “Considering the severity of the charges, including murder and attempted murder, and the potential risk posed to public order and national security, Daniel Yehonatan Zarug is hereby declared a prohibited immigrant, with the intent of initiating deportation procedures.”

Zarug will remain in custody as the TRNC authorities continue their investigation and coordinate with international agencies regarding his extradition status.