Greek Cypriot police arrest asylum seekers trying to leave the country with stolen identity

Greek Cypriot police said it arrested several individuals this week attempting to depart Cyprus using travel documents belonging to other people.

According to police report on Sunday, the latest incident occurred at Paphos Airport’s departures, when a 31-year-old woman from an African country, an asylum seeker in Cyprus was preparing to fly to France. 

During a routine check, authorities found that while her French ID card was genuine but the photograph did not match her appearance. The woman admitted the ID did not contain her real details. 

She was arrested for impersonation and is currently in custody.

Shortly after this, a man who intended to travel to another French city also presented a French ID card. Despite appearing genuine, the photograph depicted someone else. 

The man, also a 31-year-old asylum seeker, confessed that the ID was not his. He was arrested and is in custody.

Paphos Police are investigating both individuals on charges of impersonation.