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Five Greek Cypriots were detained in the Iskele (Trikomo) district of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) while allegedly gathering sensitive information about real estate developments and property ownership.
Identified as Andreas Kyprianu, Annie Kyprianu, Niki Gregoriou, Antonis Louca, and Gregory Gregoriou, the individuals were brought before the Iskele District Court and remanded in custody for three days pending further investigation.
Authorities discovered maps, ownership records, and lists of individuals and businesses active in the TRNC property market in their possession. Much of the material was reportedly obtained through local real estate agencies.
The group is suspected of intending to use the collected data to support legal cases filed by the Greek Cypriots, including efforts to issue European arrest warrants against investors active in the TRNC.
Although pre-1974 property disputes are meant to be handled by the Immovable Property Commission in Nicosia—a body recognized by the European Court of Human Rights—Greek Cypriot authorities have increasingly pursued unilateral legal actions abroad to pressure investment in TRNC territories.
This approach is viewed as part of a broader strategy to discourage economic activity in the TRNC by targeting developers and property buyers through legal intimidation.
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