Cypriots Arrested in Occupied Territories for Importing PlayStations

Two Greek Cypriots were arrested by the occupying "authorities" in early June at a checkpoint in Nicosia for transporting 49 PlayStation 5 consoles, with a total value of €16,650.

According to Turkish Cypriot media reports, the "police" of the Customs and Excise Department discovered that customs duties had not been paid for the consoles. Initially, a fine of €49,950 was imposed, which was not paid, leading to the arrest of the two men based on a warrant.

The "police" stated that the total market value of the consoles in the occupied territories is approximately 1,043,000 Turkish Lira. The detainees had entered the occupied territories as tourists and stated that they would stay with relatives and friends if released on bail.

The lawyer of one of the Greek Cypriots argued that his client could not afford to pay the fine. The "judge" ordered the confiscation of their passports, a ban on leaving the occupied territories, and an obligation to report to a "police station" every two weeks.

In addition, the "court" set a bail of 400,000 Turkish Lira and a deposit of 100,000 Turkish Lira in cash for each suspect. The consoles were confiscated, and an investigation is underway into their origin.