Cypriot immigration officers have dismantled a small but sophisticated network that supplied forged entry permits to third-country nationals attempting to access the Republic of Cyprus via Larnaca International Airport. Four suspects—aged 35 to 51—were arrested after an April 24 arrival triggered an Interpol hit during passport control, police announced on Sunday. Investigators allege the ring’s female broker charged €6,000 per client and coordinated with two accomplices who fabricated documents replicating the official entry-permit format. At least one of the seized permits had previously been flagged on Interpol databases, suggesting the group recycled document numbers from past issuances. The bust underscores Cyprus’ heightened focus on document security as it prepares to implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System and to upgrade airport screening under a parallel refugee-law overhaul. For employers, the case is a reminder that forged visas remain a compliance risk: carrying a photocopy of the original approval letter and confirming permit authenticity on the Civil Registry’s online portal is strongly recommended for new assignees arriving in the next quarter. The suspects are being held on charges of conspiracy, forgery and facilitating unlawful entry. If convicted, they face prison terms of up to eight years—a penalty the government hopes will deter similar schemes ahead of the summer travel peak. Immigration authorities say additional spot checks will be introduced on high-risk flights from the Middle East and South Asia in the coming weeks.
Source: Cyprus Police News
