Aykut transferred to Israel to serve out remaining sentence over property usurpation case

Convicted Israeli businessman Simon Aykut has been transferred to Israel to serve the remainder of his prison sentence, following a formal request under an agreement governing the transfer of prisoners to their country of origin.

Aykut, who was sentenced to five years in prison for the usurpation of Greek Cypriot property in the north, arrived in Israel on Friday after departing the republic.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris had previously asserted that Cyprus was required to comply with the request.

“Israel has requested the transfer of Simon Aykut to Israel to serve his sentence there. We have an obligation to abide by this agreement,” he said.

He added that “this issue is very special due to the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories,” but stressed that legal commitments had to be respected.

Aykyut was originally convicted after pleading guilty to 40 charges linked to the development and sale of Greek Cypriot land in the north.

Of the 242 charges initially brought against him, 60 related to fraudulent real estate transactions, 60 to possession of stolen land, 62 to money laundering and 60 to conspiracy to commit a crime.

During court proceedings, prosecution lawyer Andreas Aristides said Aykut’s company, Afik Group, “developed a series of tourist and residential projects which it offered for sale to an international audience.”

Aristides stated that Aykut “participated in the construction and commercial exploitation of six large tourist complexes” on land owned by displaced Greek Cypriots, adding that “no consent was given by the legal owners for any use of their properties.”

The developments included projects known as Caesar Cliff, Caesar Resort, Caesar Beach, Caesar Blue, Caesar Breeze and Caesar Bay.

According to the prosecution, the projects covered 394,969 square metres with a market value exceeding €36 million.

Fitiris said that part of the public interest in approving the transfer was linked to recognition by Israel of the underlying offence.

“What we have secured in a way from the Israeli side is that it recognises the usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories,” he said.

He added that Israel had issued a travel advisory “which recommends that Israelis not buy properties which have been built on Greek Cypriot land.”

The minister also referred to the expected duration of Aykut’s imprisonment.

“Due to his age, he can be released once half of his sentence has elapsed,” he said.

“So, we are now talking about whether he will stay in prison for another six to eight months.”

He added that “we cannot risk the public interest for six months in prison,” emphasising that “the important thing is that he has been convicted.”

Aykut had been arrested in June 2024 while attempting to cross from the north at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point.

His conviction followed proceedings in October, marking one of the most prominent cases related to property development on land owned by displaced persons.

Cypriot authorities have stated that agreements on prisoner transfers are routinely applied.

Fitiris noted that he had signed multiple transfer requests since taking office, though he reiterated that Aykut’s case required careful consideration due to its subject matter.