Love with no borders: Greek woman caught smuggling Turkish partner in Cyprus

A Turkish-Greek love story took a dramatic turn when authorities caught Evgeni Kanellaki and Taylan Ozgur Ozer attempting an illegal border crossing between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot-controlled south.

The couple had hidden Ozer in the trunk of Kanellaki’s car to bypass restrictions.

Couple’s cross-border romance disrupted by political restrictions in Cyprus

The incident began on January 11, when Greek national Evgeni Kanellaki entered TRNC from the south to meet her Turkish partner, Taylan Ozgur Ozer.

• Ozer had flown to Ercan Airport from Istanbul

• The couple spent 6 days together in TRNC, but political restrictions complicated their time

The Greek Cypriot administration, which does not recognize TRNC and deems its ports and airports illegal, bars Turkish citizens from crossing into the south.

Kanellaki and Ozer devised a plan to circumvent these restrictions:

• Kanellaki successfully smuggled Ozer into the south by hiding him in the trunk of her car
• After spending the weekend at her residence in the south, the couple attempted to return to TRNC using the same method

Border officers in Nicosia uncover smuggling attempt, press legal charges

On January 21, the couple arrived at the Metehan border crossing in Nicosia. While they had previously crossed undetected, Turkish authorities noticed Kanellaki acting suspiciously during routine checks.

Officers searched her car and discovered Ozer concealed in the trunk. Authorities immediately arrested both individuals.

The court in Nicosia charged Kanellaki and Ozer with violating military-restricted zones, a serious offense under Cypriot law.

During their court appearance, officials ordered them to remain in custody for up to one month while awaiting their next hearing. If convicted, they could face additional penalties.