Illegal Fuel Transfer Exposed in Nicosia: Driver and Company Owner Fined

Officers of the Cyprus Customs Department, together with the Nicosia traffic police, uncovered a scheme for the illegal use of fuel imported through the Green Line. As a result of the special operation, a transport company driver and its owner were arrested.

According to the Customs Department, the operation was carried out on May 28 at the premises of a transport company in Nicosia after an analysis of incoming information. During the inspection, officers discovered the driver of a minibus who was using an electric pump to transfer diesel fuel from the vehicle’s tank into other company vehicles.

According to the department, the minibus had previously crossed the Green Line, moving from the TRNC to the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Using fuel imported in this way to refuel other vehicles is considered a violation of the current regulations.

At the scene, customs officers confiscated the diesel fuel and impounded the vehicle used to transport it. The driver and the company owner were detained on suspicion of committing an offense.

Later, one of the detainees was released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement. The fine amounted to 18,000 euros.

The Customs Department said the seized fuel will be handed over to a licensed company for further processing or destruction in accordance with established environmental requirements.

The authorities stress that monitoring compliance with the rules for the movement of goods across the Green Line will continue, and violations of the law will be stopped as part of joint operations by law enforcement agencies and customs services.