Hearing for German Realtor Selling Property in TRNC Postponed in Cyprus

The Criminal Court of Nicosia has decided to delay the start of hearings in the case of a German real estate agent involved in selling property in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The next hearing is now scheduled for March 5, 2025.

The case was originally set to begin this morning after the court dismissed all pre-trial objections raised by the defense on October 17.

The woman faces charges for advertising, promoting, selling, owning, and using property in four different areas of Ayios Ambrosios and Kyrenia. She is also accused of purchasing an apartment for herself in one of two districts without the consent of the legitimate owner and fraudulently acquiring €169,000. She has been in custody since early July.

During today’s session, the court decided to postpone the hearing due to a busy schedule and other upcoming cases.

The prosecution has recommended that the defendant remain in custody until the next hearing.

The defendant's lawyer objected to the extension of her detention, citing that the defense had not yet received all witness materials and that some documents were still awaiting translation.

The lawyer also raised concerns about the overcrowded conditions in central prisons, presenting a report from the Council of Europe and publications from the Cypriot press highlighting these issues.

After a brief recess, the judge read out the unanimous decision of the court panel, which found no reason to prevent the extension of the defendant's detention. The defense’s appeal was dismissed as unfounded.

It’s important to note that there has been an increase in arrests by the Republic of Cyprus authorities this year of individuals owning property in the TRNC, as well as real estate agents involved in the sale of property in the northern part of the island.

In particular, last week, a trial began in the Supreme Criminal Court of Nicosia for two foreign nationals accused of buying and selling former Greek property in the TRNC.