GC Press: Arrest Wave Expanded Over Former GC Properties in North
The Greek Cypriot Administration is preparing to widen arrest operations targeting those involved in what it describes as illegal property dealings in the north, according to reports in the Greek Cypriot press. The move aims to curb transactions involving former Greek Cypriot-owned properties and is expected to cover a broad network including developers, buyers, sellers, estate agents and advertisers.
Phileleftheros journalist Kostas Venizelos reports that investigators are proceeding systematically by establishing links between suspects. The operation focuses on five main groups: contractors and developers, sellers, buyers, estate agents and advertisers. Those under investigation include Turkish Cypriots, citizens of Turkey, as well as Russian and Ukrainian nationals, and in some cases Greek Cypriots.
The report claims public support in the south for the investigation, while recalling that Iranian suspect Behdad Jafari, sought by the Greek Cypriot authorities, was released due to a legal setback in France before travelling to the TRNC. This development is attributed to the French prosecution’s failure to adequately pursue the extradition request and to the alleged disregard of European case law.
The conviction of Simon Mistriel Aykut, described as a “big fish,” is portrayed as a turning point in the process. Aykut’s request to serve the remainder of his sentence in Israel is reportedly being approached cautiously by the Greek Cypriot government.
According to the report, the raids have had a tangible impact. Property activity in the north has slowed, with some foreign nationals selling their properties and leaving the area due to fears of arrest. In certain cases, these properties are said to have been purchased by Turkish citizens.
TRNC President Ersin Tatar and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman have both reportedly exerted pressure on Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides to halt the arrests. Erhürman included a call for an end to the detentions as the fifth point of his ten-point proposal.
Ankara, meanwhile, continues to direct affected parties to the Immovable Property Commission as the sole legal remedy. However, despite 18 years of operation, the commission has converted only 1.5 per cent of Greek Cypriot-owned land. Ongoing debates focus on the commission’s frequent interruptions due to lack of funding and allegations that it is being used for political purposes.
Comments
Attention!
Sending all kinds of financial, legal, criminal, administrative responsibility content arising from illegal, threatening, disturbing, insulting and abusive, humiliating, humiliating, vulgar, obscene, immoral, damaging personal rights or similar content. It belongs to the Member / Members.