Three Arrested in Connection with Illegal Migrant Smuggling to Cyprus

Police in the Republic of Cyprus have arrested three individuals in connection with the illegal smuggling of migrants onto the island.

According to the police press office, the suspects—men aged 25, 27, and 33—were detained on the evening of May 25 at around 9:00 p.m. They are suspected of conspiracy to commit a serious crime, aiding and abetting illegal entry, and facilitating the unlawful stay of migrants within the Republic of Cyprus.

Shortly before the arrests, police received a tip-off about a group of migrants crossing into the Republic from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus through an uncontrolled area near Nicosia.

Officers from the Green Line Monitoring Unit were dispatched to the scene, where they located a group of ten individuals. It was confirmed that the group had entered the Republic illegally. They were arrested and taken to the Pera Chorio police station.

During questioning, statements were obtained implicating the three suspects in assisting third-country nationals to enter and remain in Cyprus unlawfully. Arrest warrants were issued, and the suspects have already appeared before the Nicosia District Court, which ordered their detention for eight days pending further investigation.