Two individuals arrested on allegation of obtaining a fake official document from north Cyprus Ministry of Labor released on bail

Two individuals who were arrested and detained by Turkish Cypriot police for allegedly obtaining a fake official pre-permit document from the TRNC Ministry of Labor for $200, were released on bail and to face trial in the future.

The suspects, RGB and DS, both from Turkmenistan were arrested and brought to court for forgery and circulating false documents.

According to the police, in January 2025, RGB and DS obtained a fake official pre-permit document from the TRNC Ministry of Labor for $1,200 from a Turkmen national named İh****r, residing in Famagusta. They then sent the document via the Imo messaging app to one GK in Turkmenistan.

On February 7, 2025, GK used the fake document at Ercan Airport’s immigration control to enter the TRNC. In her statement, she claimed that RGM had sent her the document, that she was unaware it was fake, and that she had come to the TRNC to work.

Following this, both RGM and DS were arrested, and an investigation was launched.

The police stated that the suspects had been brought to court twice, receiving a total of 11 additional days for the investigation. During this period, multiple statements were collected, and two individuals connected to the crime were identified—one in Turkey and another in Famagusta.

It was also determined that one CND, a Turkish Cypriot who was arrested in Famagusta and linked to another suspect ŞD in Turkey, had been forging documents and receiving money from Turkmen nationals.

The police requested bail, stating that the suspects could no longer interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The judge ordered that the suspects be banned from leaving the country. RGM was required to deposit 45,000 TL in cash bail and provide two guarantors to sign a 300,000 TL surety bond each. DS was ordered to pay 65,000 TL in cash bail, with one guarantor required to sign a 300,000 TL surety bond.