Cross-border vehicle fraud uncovered in north Cyprus: Old bus returned to TRNC with new chassis number

A tip-off in Turkey has exposed an elaborate vehicle fraud scheme stretching into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Allegations point to the involvement of A.C., the owner of a bus company operating in the TRNC, in what authorities describe as an unprecedented case of vehicle identity manipulation.

According to claims, an aging bus from the company’s fleet was transported to Turkey, where a newer version of the same model—already decommissioned and removed from traffic—was located. Investigators allege that the chassis numbers of the two vehicles were switched, allowing the older bus to be rebranded with the “new model” identity before being re-imported into the TRNC.

Reports further suggest negligence on the part of the Customs Department, as the bus was exported from the TRNC without declaring a mandatory T permit or student transport license, both of which are required under local regulations.

The fraudulent activity was first discovered in Turkey following a public tip-off. Subsequent inspections revealed the chassis tampering, and Turkish authorities promptly notified their counterparts in the TRNC.

Officials emphasize that the case carries an international dimension, with legal proceedings now underway in both Turkey and the TRNC. Vehicle identity fraud and chassis number manipulation are categorized as serious criminal offenses, carrying significant legal consequences.

It has also emerged that the bus in question is registered under the name of A.C.’s spouse, further complicating the investigation. Authorities are expected to release additional details as the probe continues.