Newsroom
A coordinated operation by Customs Department officers and members of the Nicosia Crime Prevention Unit led to the seizure of diesel fuel that had allegedly been brought from the occupied areas into the government-controlled territories of the Republic of Cyprus.
The inspection took place on May 28 at the premises of a transport company in Nicosia following information received by the authorities. During the operation, officers discovered a mini bus driver transferring diesel from the vehicle's fuel tank into other company vehicles using an electric pumping device.
Investigators determined that the fuel had been purchased in the occupied areas and transported across the Green Line, an act considered a breach of the relevant regulations governing the movement of goods.
The driver, a Greek Cypriot who also owns the transport company, was arrested after being caught during the fuel transfer process. Authorities confiscated both the diesel fuel and the mini bus involved in the case.
The suspect was subsequently released after reaching an out-of-court settlement with the Customs Department. Under the agreement, he paid a financial penalty of €18,000.
Officials stated that the confiscated fuel will be delivered to a licensed company, where it will either be recycled or safely destroyed.
