Driver caught using false identity in traffic check found to be illegally residing in north Cyprus

Lefkoşa, Cyprus (August 1, 2025) — An individual was remanded in custody after being charged with multiple offenses, including providing false identity information to police during a traffic stop and unlawfully residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) for over eight months.

According to the police, the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, at approximately 9:57 PM on Dr. Fazıl Küçük Boulevard in Lefkoşa. 

During a routine traffic inspection, the suspect identified as KD, 26 a Turkish national, allegedly misidentified himself to officers as Erol Başaran, a name belonging to another individual.

By assuming someone else's identity, KD allegedly caused the issuance of a false traffic citation and thus committed the offenses of forging an official document, identity fraud, and obtaining a fraudulent police record.

KD was located and arrested in Lefkoşa on July 31, 2025. An immigration database check revealed that he had been illegally residing in the TRNC since November 29, 2024—a total of 244 days without a valid residency permit.

Police have launched a full investigation and confirmed that KD remains in custody. They emphasized that the case is still in its early stages, with further statements and inquiries required to determine the full scope of the suspect’s actions.