Seven arrested in residence permit scandal

In connection with an ongoing investigation into forged documents used to secure residence permits in Cyprus, the police have arrested seven individuals today.

The arrests, carried out with court-issued warrants, were part of a coordinated operation involving individuals aged 21 to 44.

Presented before the Nicosia District Court, the seven suspects have been remanded in custody for eight days.

They are facing charges including conspiracy to commit fraud, forgery, circulation of forged documents, and obtaining registration through false representation. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman is being investigated for corruption, accepting a bribe as a public official, abuse of power, and negligence of official duty.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is leading the investigation.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Interior previously announced the arrest of a public official from the Civil Registry and Migration Department in relation to the issuance of residence permits. The CID, in close cooperation with the Ministry, is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, expressed his disappointment over the situation and emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated. The Ministry is determined to take all necessary measures to prevent their recurrence.

[Information sourced from Kathimerini Cy]