Three people, a Turkish national and two Turkish Cypriots arrested for people smuggling

North Cyprus authorities have arrested three men, a Turkish national and two Turkish Cypriots, suspected of smuggling Syrian refugees arriving from Turkey to south Cyprus through the north, reports said on Thursday.

According to the report by Greek Cypriot daily, Phileleftheros, citing exclusive information, the three men were arrested in north Cyprus a few days ago after Turkish Cypriot authorities have been collecting information on them for the past few months.

The daily said south Cyprus authorities have been informed that the arrest took place a few days ago in the Guzelyurt area when the Turkish man, believed to be the mastermind, had a meeting with the other two.

The group are believed to have been smuggling migrants from the coast of Turkey to Cyprus and especially to the Tylliria and Chrysoschous areas, over the past two years.

The two Turkish Cypriots were reportedly waiting for the boats arriving from the Turkish coast carrying refugees at the Limnitis beach in north Cyprus and were using torchlight to guide the vessels to the spot where the passengers would disembark and were then led on foot to south Cyprus.

Even though this was not the only group organising such activities, the daily said, it is believed they were the main source for transfer of migrants to the Tylliria and Chrysochous areas.

Cyprus Mail.