Dozens of cases involving the alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot-owned properties in the north remain under investigation, while several arrest warrants issued against individuals linked to such activities have yet to be executed.
According to information obtained by Politis, Cypriot authorities intend to continue pursuing criminal prosecutions, with investigators gathering and assessing evidence in preparation for additional cases. The recent legal breakthrough in France, where a court approved the execution of a European arrest warrant against a Lithuanian estate agent, is also seen as strengthening the Republic's efforts to prosecute those accused of exploiting Greek Cypriot properties.
Three convictions and three ongoing cases
To date, six major criminal cases involving the alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties have been filed before Cypriot courts.
Three cases remain pending, while three have already resulted in final convictions and prison sentences for offences including:
- Fraudulent transactions involving immovable property.
- Illegal possession, occupation and use of land.
- Money laundering.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony.
Cypriot authorities are targeting not only individuals involved in constructing or selling properties on Greek Cypriot land in the north, but also others who allegedly assist in their commercial exploitation, including estate agents and advertisers.
Authorities believe the convictions have sent two clear messages. First, the judgments demonstrate the Republic's determination to combat the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties. Second, continued involvement in similar activities could result in even harsher penalties in future cases.
The imprisonment of convicted offenders has provoked strong reactions in the north, highlighting the broader impact of the prosecution strategy on those involved in the commercial use of Greek Cypriot property.
French court ruling
The Legal Service devoted significant attention to one such case in a 103-page report submitted to parliament ahead of discussions on its 2027 budget.
The report focused on a Lithuanian estate agent who was arrested in France under a European arrest warrant but was ultimately not extradited to Cyprus.
On 1 July 2026, the Court of Appeal in Aix-en-Provence approved the execution of a European arrest warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus against a Lithuanian national in connection with alleged offences involving Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied areas. The suspect had been arrested in France on 16 May 2026.
The ruling contrasted with an earlier decision by the same court on 10 December 2025, when it rejected the execution of a similar European arrest warrant issued against an Iranian national accused of offences relating to Greek Cypriot properties.
According to the Legal Service, the positive outcome resulted from coordinated efforts by government lawyers, the Ministry of Justice and French prosecutorial authorities.
Cyprus was granted permission to participate in the appeal proceedings through legal representatives and argued for the correct interpretation of Protocol No. 10 of Cyprus' Act of Accession to the European Union, as well as the legal framework governing European arrest warrants concerning offences allegedly committed in the occupied areas.
The appeal court ultimately overturned the reasoning adopted in its earlier 2025 ruling.
The French court held that the fact the alleged offences occurred in parts of Cyprus not under the effective control of the Republic does not prevent the application of EU law, nor does it invalidate a European arrest warrant issued by a competent Cypriot court.
The judgment also stated that the so-called "TRNC" is the result of a serious violation of international law.
According to the Legal Service, the ruling confirms the correct interpretation and application of EU law in relation to the Republic of Cyprus' jurisdiction over offences committed in the occupied territories.
Suspects remain at large
Despite the court victory in France, the central objective of securing the suspects' arrest has not yet been achieved.
Iranian businessman Behdad Jafari, who according to the case file is in possession of disputed Greek Cypriot property, and Lithuanian estate agent Rasa Zilevic, who allegedly promoted Greek Cypriot properties for sale in the north, remain unaccounted for.
Both individuals were released after lower French courts initially rejected Cyprus' extradition requests. Although those decisions were later overturned on appeal, French authorities have so far been unable to locate either suspect.
They continue to be sought under both European and international arrest warrants.
Civil lawsuits add pressure
Beyond criminal proceedings, authorities and property owners are also pursuing civil actions.
Lawsuits filed before Cypriot courts, along with orders aimed at enforcing judgments, are placing additional pressure on individuals and companies accused of profiting from Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
One recent case highlighted by Politis involves a lawsuit filed in the Nicosia District Court by Greek Cypriot business owners against, among others:
- PepsiCo
- Pepsi Turkey
- A subsidiary operating in the north
The case concerns a factory in occupied Famagusta owned by the Greek Cypriot claimants and allegedly used to produce Pepsi, Pepsi Max, 7Up and Mirinda soft drinks.
The claimants are seeking more than €140 million in damages for the alleged unlawful use and occupation of the property.
A total of 14 individuals and corporate entities are named in the lawsuit.
The development could also pave the way for criminal proceedings should a formal complaint be submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department at Police Headquarters.
Attention is now focused on how the defendant Turkish companies will respond. They must decide whether to enter an appearance before the Cypriot courts, thereby recognising the Republic's jurisdiction, or risk default judgments and possible enforcement proceedings abroad.
