Europol caught a gang of organizers of sham marriages in Cyprus

Europol has uncovered a criminal scheme involving sham marriages in Cyprus. Fifteen gang members have been detained.

In order to dismantle the criminal group, which allegedly facilitated illegal immigration and residency in the European Union through sham marriages, Europol organized an operation under the codename "Limassol Task Force." The operation was led by Cyprus with the support of Latvia and Portugal.

As part of the special operation to dismantle the criminal network, thirteen people were arrested in Limassol, where the headquarters of the criminals were located. One more participant in the scheme was detained in Portugal, and one in Latvia.

It is believed that four of the arrested individuals are the main suspects in this case. They include two individuals aged 37 and 24 who were arrested in Cyprus, and two individuals aged 45 and 26 who were apprehended abroad based on European arrest warrants issued by Cypriot authorities.

Police believe that they organized over 130 sham marriages in Cyprus to facilitate the illegal stay of third-country nationals in EU countries.

Thirteen individuals arrested in Cyprus appeared before the Larnaca District Court and will remain in custody until February 7. Extradition procedures have already begun for the other two arrested individuals in Cyprus.

According to preliminary investigation data, in addition to sham marriages, members of the criminal group may be involved in other illegal activities such as money laundering, conspiracy to commit serious crimes, conspiracy to commit extortion, aiding illegal entry, transit, and residence on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

They are also suspected of distributing counterfeit documents, fraudulent marriage contracting, and coercing victims into entering into sham marriages to facilitate the illegal stay of third-country nationals in European Union countries.

Additionally, authorities have received testimonies against several individuals allegedly involved in 133 sham marriages arranged in Cyprus between women from Portugal and Latvia and men from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.