More than 60 vehicles imported into northern Cyprus from abroad in the last two years were stolen

More than 60 vehicles imported into northern Cyprus from abroad in the last two and a half years were stolen vehicles.

The TRNC Ministry of Finance's Customs and Excise Department announced last week that vehicles imported from the United Kingdom to the country have been subjected to investigation, and it was determined that 61 vehicles imported in the last two and a half years were stolen.

The Customs and Excise Department stated that these vehicles were placed under customs control and then transferred to the State Property and Materials Department. Additionally, notifications were sent to the legal owners of the vehicles abroad, urging them to assert their rights.

The department also noted that after working in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there has been a significant decrease in the number of stolen vehicles imported into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

In response to certain news reports about "stolen vehicle imports," the Customs and Excise Department made a written statement, saying, "We would like to share with the public that news regarding the import of stolen vehicles into our country does not reflect the truth."

The department emphasized that in order to protect the rights of TRNC citizens and legal residents, all vehicles imported from the UK are being investigated to determine whether they are stolen.

The department also pointed out that coordinated work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities abroad has been ongoing for nearly two years to identify stolen vehicles imported from the UK to the TRNC, and legal opinions and decisions have been made within the legal framework.

As a result of the investigation, it was found that 61 vehicles imported in the past two and a half years were stolen and placed under customs control. It is known that in the past, citizens unknowingly purchased stolen vehicles, resulting in various hardships.

The department noted that legal consultations were sought from the Legal Department (Attorney General's Office) regarding the rights and legal situations of those who legally imported these vehicles.

According to the legal opinion obtained from the Legal Department, individuals who imported stolen vehicles are not the legal owners of these vehicles.

The investigation of these vehicles is being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Customs and Excise Department, and other relevant authorities.

The department also noted that under the Customs and Excise Law (Law No. 37/83), vehicles that have not completed customs procedures and were found to be stolen after investigation have been transferred to the State Property and Materials Department for evaluation in response to requests from public institutions.

After the coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Customs Department, a significant reduction in the number of stolen vehicles imported into the country has been observed.

"According to the Customs and Excise Law No. 37/83, after the legal time limit has expired for goods that have not been cleared from customs, the Customs Director may dispose of the goods in an appropriate manner.

As a result of consultations with our Ministry, and taking into account the hardships faced by citizens who had previously purchased stolen vehicles, the relevant vehicles have been transferred to the State Property and Materials Department for government use.

The purpose of the Customs and Excise Department is to monitor and supervise import and export operations at customs checkpoints for sea, air, and land entry points, in accordance with Customs Regulations and other laws, decrees, and regulations. The department also sets customs duties, conducts taxation and collection processes, ensures compliance with the legal framework, and carries out all tasks and powers assigned by the applicable legislation.

The Customs and Excise Department reminds the public that it is responsible for all goods imported into the country and assures that all necessary measures are being taken by the department and the Ministry.

This announcement is made in respect to the public."