Russian National Jailed for Six Months for Crossing Border with Fake Insurance

A Russian citizen has been sentenced to six months in prison in Northern Cyprus after trying to cross the Metehan checkpoint using a fake car insurance policy.

The case was heard this week at the Nicosia High Criminal Court. According to the judge, the incident took place on November 25, 2024. At around 7:20 PM, the defendant—Stanislav Arkhangelsky, a resident of the Republic of Cyprus—entered the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) via the Metehan border gate. He presented his Russian passport and what appeared to be a valid vehicle insurance certificate. However, the document was later determined to be forged. That same day, he returned south through the Deryneia crossing.

Just over two months later, on January 27, 2025, Arkhangelsky was stopped once again at the Metehan checkpoint while attempting to enter the TRNC in a different car with new license plates. This time, he was arrested and charged with document forgery—a serious offense in Northern Cyprus that carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years. He was held in custody while the investigation continued.

On April 28, the Nicosia High Criminal Court sentenced him to six months behind bars.