Human Trafficking at Kyrenia Port: Suspects Remanded for Three More Days

Following the arrests of Muharrem Korkmaz, Kadir Mıdık, Hasan Uyar, Kenan Sarıoğ, and Hasan Başara, truck driver İbrahim Can Atik was also taken into custody. All suspects appeared in court yesterday, where the police requested an extension of their detention.

Investigation Findings

Police officer Mehmet Dağdelen, from the Kyrenia Police Department’s Criminal Branch, testified in court that on February 25, 2025, at 14:46, the suspects smuggled an Afghan family—comprising a mother, father, and four children—into the TRNC inside the trailer of a MAN brand truck with license plate TPE 595. The family was reportedly transported for financial gain.

Police seized a total of eight mobile phones belonging to the suspects and confirmed that all but Atik had already been brought to court a day earlier, where their detention had been extended by one day.

Further investigation, including security footage analysis, revealed that Atik was seen on February 26, 2025, at 14:50, unloading the family from a TPG 027-registered vehicle at a designated location. Migration records confirmed his involvement, and he was arrested following a raid at his workplace. Atik admitted to his role in the crime, stating that Muharrem Korkmaz had offered him the job and that he had taken a photograph of the drop-off location to send to Korkmaz.

Ongoing Investigation

Police noted that the investigation is still in progress, with additional mobile phones and security footage yet to be examined. Authorities are also searching for two more unidentified male suspects.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge Evren Mürsel approved the police request, ordering the suspects to remain in custody for an additional three days.