Tourist arrested for attempting to shoot an individual in northern Cyprus admits to crime

Lefkoşa, July 31, 2025 — A 23-year-old tourist, Yunus Emre Karakoç, has been arrested in Lefkoşa for allegedly conspiring to carry out a shooting attack on a business establishment in Demirhan. Karakoç appeared before a Lefkoşa court on Wednesday, where police confirmed that he has admitted to charges of criminal conspiracy.

According to police testimony, authorities received intelligence on the evening of July 30, indicating that the suspect — staying at a hotel in the Surlariçi area of Lefkoşa — was involved in a plan to shoot an individual operating a çiğ köfte (spicy raw meatball) stand at Erülkü Supermarket in Demirhan.

Police allege that Karakoç conspired with an unidentified individual based in Turkey, forming what was described as a “secret alliance” with the intent to commit a serious crime. The suspect was swiftly located and arrested the same day following the tip-off.

During interrogation, Karakoç reportedly gave a voluntary statement in which he admitted to the conspiracy charges.

Investigation Underway

The police emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages. Authorities are working to verify Karakoç’s statement and determine whether he had any local accomplices or contacts in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Given the ongoing nature of the probe, police requested that the suspect be held in custody for an additional two days to facilitate further investigation.

The judge granted the request, ordering that Karakoç remain in police custody for 48 hours.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the planned attack and are working to identify the suspect’s associates both locally and abroad.