Real estate agent arrested at Ercan Airport for €349,000 fraud scheme

Girne, north Cyprus – A 38-year-old real estate agent operating in Girne, identified as D.W.B., has been arrested on charges of defrauding an investor of over €349,000 in a property scam involving the resale of an already-sold apartment.

According to a statement from the police press office, the incident occurred between May 22 and August 1, 2023 when D.W.B. allegedly deceived an investor seeking to enter the real estate market by offering to mediate the purchase of three apartments in an ongoing residential development project in Tatlısu and Gazimağusa. Among the properties offered was an apartment that had already been sold to another individual in 2021.

Authorities report that D.W.B. gained the investor’s trust through false representations and collected a total of €349,305 from the victim. The fraud came to light following a police investigation, which led to the suspect's identification and subsequent arrest.

D.W.B. was apprehended on June 12, 2025, upon entering the country through Ercan Airport. The police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.

Further updates will be provided as the case develops.