Four individuals arrested in Nicosia for migrant trafficking

On the morning of October 27, 2026, police in Nicosia arrested four individuals, aged 19, 22, and two 23-year-olds, on suspicion of facilitating the illegal entry, transit, and stay of migrants within the Republic of Cyprus. The arrests followed an incident around 6:20 a.m. when an on-duty officer spotted suspicious activity, prompting the arrival of additional forces from the Aliens and Immigration Service (YAM) and Nicosia Police Department.

Authorities encountered a group of seven people who had crossed into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus from the occupied areas, attempting to enter the free areas via the Green Line. Investigations revealed that four of these seven individuals held asylum seeker status. Evidence obtained by the police suggests these four suspects were actively involved in smuggling the other migrants. Following their arrest under judicial warrants, the suspects remain in custody to facilitate the ongoing investigation. They are expected to appear before the court tomorrow to face further legal proceedings.