Man detained in Nicosia district on suspicion of smuggling illegal migrants

The Cyprus Police have detained a 56-year-old man on suspicion of facilitating the illegal entry, transit, and stay of third-country nationals in the territory of the Republic.

The incident occurred on Friday evening around 20:50 in the Idaliou – Lympia – Athienou area. Police officers on patrol noticed a vehicle driving from the direction of the "buffer zone."

According to the police, the driver ignored a signal to stop and attempted to flee. The car was intercepted in the Alambra area, but while trying to evade pursuit, the driver rammed a police car. Following the collision, the vehicle was immobilized.

During a check of the vehicle, four more people were found — two women aged 32 and 29, and two minors aged 10 and 16. All of them are third-country nationals.

Law enforcement officials reported that the detained driver admitted to transporting the passengers from the TRNC to the Republic of Cyprus.

The man was arrested on the spot and later brought before the Nicosia District Court. The court issued a six-day remand order to allow the investigation to continue.

The two women and two minors were transferred to the Kokkinotrimithia migrant reception center. The investigation is ongoing.