North Cyprus public official arrested over bribery allegations in residence permit approvals

A 45-year-old public official, identified as İ.Ş., has been arrested in connection with allegations of bribery and abuse of office involving the approval of residence permit pre-approvals for foreign nationals.

According to a police statement, the official, who served in Mağusa and İskele, is accused of exploiting his position throughout 2025 to secure personal financial gain. 

Investigators allege that İ.Ş., 45 accepted €7,000, 270,000 TL in cash, and goods valued at 19,500 TL from an individual, in exchange for facilitating and approving pre-permit applications for foreign nationals brought into the country by that person.

Police confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody and that the investigation remains ongoing.