Afik Group Director Faces 124 Charges in Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus police have filed charges in the Nicosia District Court against Simon Mistriel Aykut, the director of Afik Group, a property development company. Aykut faces 124 charges related to the sale of real estate valued at over 40 million euros.

According to Alphanews, which cites police sources, the case will be moved to the Criminal Court on September 9. Today, the district court will decide whether Aykut will remain in custody until then.

Authorities are also searching for the businessman's sons, Afik Yaakov, 51, and Michael Mistriel Aykut, 49, who are also part of the company's management team.

Aykut was arrested on June 7 at the Derinya checkpoint while crossing from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to the Republic of Cyprus. Local reports indicate he intended to travel to Israel via Larnaca Airport.

The 74-year-old, who holds citizenship in Turkey and the TRNC, is accused of "selling Greek-owned property in the TRNC without the owners' knowledge." Initially, the court ordered a five-day detention, which was later extended by another six days. This period expired yesterday.

Afik Group has issued a statement claiming that the arrest was unjust and motivated by "political issues" and the "non-recognition" between the two regions. The company asserts that all its actions are legal and unrelated to any governmental disputes.