Three arrested for kidnap in north Cyprus, demand 2 million TL ransom from family: Victim arrested for living in the country illegally

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with a kidnap incident in Gazimağusa when five people kidnapped an individual who failed to pay their debt and demanded a ransom of 2 million TL from his family. The complainant was also arrested for illegal residency.

Five individuals in Gazimağusa abducted and detained a person, claiming the victim failed to pay a debt. They then called the victim’s family in Turkey, demanding 2 million TL under threat.

According to the police bulletin, the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 22.

The suspects, identified by their initials as E.A. (male, 28), B.Ş. (male, 43), O.E. (male, 45), Y.A. (male, 58), and Y.R. (male, 43), allegedly kidnapped one M.A. (male, 29) against his will due to unpaid debts.

The suspects reportedly threatened M.A.'s family in Turkey over the phone, demanding 2 million TL. They warned that if the money was not paid, they would smuggle M.A. to Southern Cyprus, further threatening violence. 

Following a complaint, two of the suspects E.A. and B.Ş., along with another individual connected to the case, M.I. (male, 20), were identified and arrested.

Police have announced that O.E., Y.A., and Y.R. are still being sought in connection with the case.

The complainant in the case, M.A. was located in Gazimağusa on Saturday January 25. During an immigration check, it was determined that he had been residing in the country illegally without a valid permit, leading to his arrest.

They were charged with "Forced Abduction, Extortion by Threat, Threats of Violence, and Unauthorized Residence".