Migrant found dead in truck trailer after attempted illegal entry into northern Cyprus

Girne – September 3, 2025 - A man believed to be an irregular migrant has died after allegedly being smuggled into North Cyprus inside the trailer of a truck arriving from Turkey. 

The victim, whose identity has not yet been confirmed but is estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old, is thought to have died from heat and lack of oxygen.

According to police, the truck entered the island through the Girne Tourism Port around midday on Wednesday Sept. 3. 

The driver, identified as C.K. (43), reportedly admitted that he transported the man in the trailer from Mersin, Turkey, in exchange for $3,000. Investigators said the individual was later found unconscious in Çatalköy, after which he was taken by E.Ö. (36) in a rental car to the emergency unit of Dr. Suat Günsel University Hospital in Girne, where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary examinations found no signs of violence on the victim’s body. Police suspect the cause of death to be suffocation and extreme heat inside the sealed trailer. An autopsy will determine the official cause.

Both C.K. and E.Ö. have been arrested on charges of human smuggling and causing death by negligence. During court proceedings, police revealed that E.Ö. attempted to evade investigators after leaving the body at the hospital, while C.K. was caught as he allegedly tried to leave the country. 

Officers also stated that E.Ö. destroyed his mobile phone to hinder the investigation, while C.K. admitted discarding his.

The court granted police a one-day detention order to continue investigations, which will include collecting witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage.

Police confirmed that the case is being treated as a serious incident of human trafficking, and the investigation is ongoing.