Man wanted for phone theft since 2024 arrested on his return to north Cyprus

A suspect who was wanted for theft in north Cyprus since 2024 was arrested upon return to the country.

The suspect identified only as R.D., who was wanted for a theft crime that occurred in Lefkosa in August 2024, was arrested upon entering the country on March 8 and was brought before the court. 

The police stated that it was determined that on August 11, 2024, between 07:00 and 09:00 in Lefkosa’s Walled City area, a mobile phone—specifically a RedMi Note 11S belonging to a waiter working at a business called "Venedik Cafe"—was stolen.

According to the police, an investigation revealed that the suspect removed the original SIM card and inserted his own GSM card into the phone. A warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest, but he could not be apprehended at the time because border control checks showed he had left the country on the same day he was identified.

The suspect was later detected and arrested by officers while entering the northern Cyprus through Kyrenia Port on March 8, 2025. The stolen mobile phone was found in his possession and seized as evidence.

The police stated that the suspect entered the country on a tourist visa and requested that he be remanded in custody. 

The judge ordered that the suspect be held in prison for a period not exceeding 20 days.