Three arrested for marriage scam

TWO Turkish Cypriot men and a woman from Moldavia have been detained by larnaca police in connection with being involved in a suspected marriage of convenience.

The 22-year-old woman arrived on the island around a month ago claiming she was living with a Turkish Cypriot businessman, 43.

But on Monday she married the businessman’s 34-year-old friend in the Aradippou town hall.
The fact that the same businessman also had a family in occupied Famagusta prompted the immigration department to move in the arrest all three.

The woman allegedly confessed to marrying the 34-year-old to secure a work permit and to be able to live with the businessman, police said.

She had arrived in Cyprus on an invitation from the 43-year-old whom she met in Moldavia.
The woman secured a 15-day residence permit at Larnaca airport and reported to the immigration department a fortnight later to tell officers she was staying for a further 15 days with the businessman.

On Monday she went to the immigration department with the two men and presented a marriage certificate while asking for an extension of her permit.

But officers got suspicious and questioned the woman who allegedly admitted she married the younger man, who works in Larnaca, to stay in Cyprus with his already married businessman friend.

Aradippou Mayor Christakis Liberis, who carried out the wedding, said all the documents had been in order.

The three suspects were charged in court and will remain in custody until their hearing on Friday.

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