Hungarian Women Face Extended Custody Over Alleged Illegal Property Deals in Occupied Cyprus

The two women from Hungary facing charges of illegally appropriating Greek Cypriot property in the occupied territories will remain in custody for an additional seven days. An investigation by the Kyrenia Land Registry found that these defendants were marketing Greek Cypriot land on the real estate market, with an estimated value of €58 million.

According to the investigator, the two women allegedly collaborated to promote tourist accommodations via social media, which are either built or planned on Greek Cypriot land in Kyrenia, Agios Amvrosios, and Akanthou. During interrogation, the first suspect confessed to advertising tourist complexes owned by "Cyprus Constructions" in the occupied areas through a Hungarian-associated website, Otthon Properties, which she reportedly owns. She claimed the owner of "Cyprus Constructions" is a friend and insisted she received no financial gain.

Regarding the second suspect, authorities secured testimony of her meeting with foreign individuals in a Pyla café, where she suggested they could purchase property for personal use or subletting. She defended her actions by referring to a purported agreement among Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, which she believed legitimized the construction of tourist resorts with compensation to Greek Cypriots. The second suspect stated she would not have promoted the information on Facebook had she known of any illegality.

Both suspects' names appeared in contractual documents with a Cypriot construction company, detailing a commission from property sales. Signatures attributed to the women have been found on documents with the agent, pending verification. Thirty-five Greek Cypriot property owners have testified they did not consent to these developments. These serious allegations suggest that money laundering is the primary charge.