Iraqi national detained after fleeing Ercan Airport with fake passport

An Iraqi national, identified as A. A. T., has been sent to prison following an attempt to enter Ercan Airport using a fraudulent Lithuanian passport. The suspect arrived from Istanbul via an AJet flight on October 6, 2026.

During immigration procedures, officials became suspicious of the passport, which was issued under the name Karolis Kavaliauskas. When officers attempted to escort the suspect to an interrogation room, he fled the airport, entering the territory without completing legal immigration processes.

Following a search, police from the Lefkoşa Police Department located and arrested the suspect in Lefkoşa on October 7. During court proceedings, police reported that the suspect provided a voluntary confession. He faces charges including circulating forged documents, fraudulent acquisition of records, and violating immigration laws. Judge Gizem Erciyas ordered the suspect to be detained in prison for a period not exceeding two months to ensure his presence during the ongoing investigation.