75-year-old Iranian man arrested in Famagusta for operating illegal taxi

Turkish Cypriot police with the help Taxi Drivers identified and arrested a 75-year-old man person for operating an illegal taxi in Famagusta. 

According to report, the 75-year-old suspect, who operates as a pirate taxi driver in Famagusta was caught with the cooperation of the Famagusta Taxi Drivers Association and the police.

The arrested was made on Tuesday after the Famagusta Taxi Drivers Association reported to the police the allegation that a 75-year-old Iranian national was operating a pirate taxi. 

Legal action was taken against the pirate taxi driver.

Muhammet Biberoğlu, President of the Famagusta Taxi Drivers Association, stated that there are more people operating pirate taxis than there are registered taxis in the country.

“Pirate taxi drivers take advantage of legal loopholes. "They continue to commit the same crime because there are no deterrent penalties," he said.

Mentioning that it is forbidden to drive commercial vehicles after the age of 65 under normal conditions, Biberoğlu said, “As taxi drivers, we pay our taxes and pay attention to the rules. "At this point, our efforts are being disrespected," he said.

Biberoğlu said that deterrent penalties should be given to those who are found to be operating pirate taxis and added: "Pirate taxi driving cannot be prevented." "How will we make a living if people coming from outside do these jobs illegally?" he asked.

Emphasizing that people who operate pirate taxis remain illegal in most countries, Biberoğlu said, “Pirate taxi drivers take advantage of legal loopholes. "Compared to previous years, pirate taxi driving has increased incredibly," he said.

Biberoğlu added that there are more people operating pirate taxis than there are registered taxis in the country, and that they are 'in need of bread'.