Man accused of forging property deed to buy land in his cousin's name

Lefkoşa, July 19, 2025 — A man local man has been remanded in custody for three days after being charged with forgery of an official document in connection with an alleged fake property deed issued in his cousin’s name.

The suspect identified as MT, a Turkish national was brought before a Lefkoşa court following a complaint filed by his cousin, M.A., a resident of Turkey. According to police testimony presented by the police, the case centers around a land purchase agreement made in July 2023.

M.A. claims to have sent 52,000 TL to MT for the purpose of purchasing a plot of land in İskele, trusting his cousin to handle the transaction on his behalf. MT allegedly sent back a property deed showing that the land was purchased, with M.A. listed as the owner.

However, when M.A. traveled to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on July 16, 2025, to view the property, he discovered that the deed was forged. He immediately filed a complaint with the Lefkoşa Police Department.

Police confirmed that the allegedly forged deed has been taken as evidence and that MT was arrested the same day. Investigators say the case is still in its early stages, with additional statements to be collected and the document to be sent for expert forensic analysis.

Requesting additional time to complete the investigation, police asked the court to extend the suspect’s detention. 

After reviewing the testimony, the judge ordered that MT remain in custody for three more days.