Third man held in forged visas probe

A RUSSIAN MAN was remanded in police custody for eight days yesterday in connection with the issuing of forged permanent residency visas in Paphos.

The Russian is the third person to be detained in connection with the scam, following the arrest of two other men suspected of being involved — a 29-year-old Georgian and a 28-year-old Ukrainian.

The Russian was arrested after the Ukrainian claimed he was acting as a mediator in the preparation and sale of the visas, and that he had promised him he would get him a permanent visa for the sum of £600.

The Ukrainian claimed the Russian gave him the mobile number of a Pontian Greek in Paphos who would help him in getting his visa.

Police said a search would be carried out of the homes of the three suspects, and did not rule out the possibility of more arrests.

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