In a recent report, North Cyprus has been identified as an increasingly popular safe haven for criminals seeking to evade international law enforcement. Over the past 20 months, at least 11 fugitives wanted by Interpol have been located in this unrecognized territory, including notorious figures such as Australian underworld boss Mark Douglas Buddle, Russian drug lord Viktor Panyushin, and Italian mafioso Sebastiano Claudio Saia.
These individuals had managed to obtain residence permits from the Turkish Cypriot administration, purchase real estate, and lead lavish lifestyles, with some even establishing businesses. However, they were eventually extradited to Turkey, as North Cyprus has no extradition treaties and relies on Turkey for Interpol-related arrests.
Dr. Yonca Ozdemir, an expert in International Relations, highlighted the serious legal gaps created by the lack of international recognition of North Cyprus. This absence of oversight by international institutions means that international law is not applicable, leading to inadequate controls over who enters the country and their activities once there.
The 2023 Global Organised Crime Index corroborates this concern, indicating that North Cyprus is a hub for various criminal activities including organized crime, human trafficking, and money laundering. The index also points out the close collaboration between foreign and domestic criminal actors in the region.
A study based on Transparency International’s methodology revealed that corruption is rampant in North Cyprus, with 40% of business executives admitting to engaging in bribery. The study also found that bribery was most prevalent among high-ranking officials such as the ‘prime minister’ and ‘ministers.’
Security threats are also on the rise due to the uncontrolled flow of individuals into North Cyprus. Shamil Kalaev, a member of the terrorist organization Islamic State Isis, was among those apprehended by Interpol. Moreover, Iranian terror attacks against Israelis and Jews in the Republic of Cyprus were thwarted, with suspects having entered from the north.
Authorities estimate that around 15,000 Iranians now reside in North Cyprus, with over 40,000 entering through air and seaports in 2023 alone. Chief Justice Narin Ferdi Şefik has called for increased controls at entry points and urgent measures to address these concerns.
In addition to Interpol fugitives, others have been deported for threatening public law and order, including 21 individuals like Iranian Arash Maheri and 29 Nigerians linked to violent cults. The ease of obtaining student visas has been exploited by many to enter the country, with universities becoming a backdoor for illegal entry.
The US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report in 2023 warns that individuals entering with student visas often end up forced into illegal activities such as prostitution and drug trafficking.
As North Cyprus continues to grapple with these challenges, international attention is drawn to the need for stricter controls and legal reforms to combat the growing criminal presence in the region.
