Four suspects arrested in Northern Cyprus for illegally bringing in 59 Afghans

Four suspects involved in human trafficking cases were brought before the court again and will remain in custody for another seven days, according to judicial authorities in Northern Cyprus.

According to police reports, Jabir Hussain Mugal (E-36), Resa Budak (E-37), Muhammad Munir (E-33), and Anis Ali Khan (E-43) facilitated the illegal entry of 59 Afghan citizens, including one minor, through Ercan Airport between May and July 2025 via 11 different flights, for financial gain.

Police inspector Hüseyin Zaifer explained in court that Resa Budak, a civilian employee at Ercan, processed entries without proper immigration procedures. The other three suspects picked up the arrivals at the airport and transported them to various locations in Nicosia.

During the investigation, police seized the suspects’ mobile phones for forensic examination. According to the findings, Jabir Hussain Mugal had sent photos of some entrants to Muhammad Munir. Authorities continue to review airport CCTV footage and the suspects’ bank transactions. The police have also contacted the authorities in Southern Cyprus to determine whether the individuals who entered the country moved further south.

Judge Şevket Gazi granted the police request to extend the detention period by seven days; the investigation is ongoing.