Lithuanian real estate agent detained in France in case regarding Greek Cypriot properties in Cyprus

In France, a 53-year-old woman of foreign nationality was detained following a European arrest warrant issued by the Cyprus Republic (South Cyprus). The individual is reported to be a company executive operating under the laws in the north of Cyprus and involved in the sale of Greek Cypriot property real estate in the region. It was learned that the woman, determined to be a Lithuanian citizen, would have necessary proceedings initiated by the French authorities for her extradition after the completion of the legal process.

As a result of investigations, it was announced that the suspect was caught at Nice airport and stopped by security forces while planning to travel with her daughter. It was learned that the woman has been living and working professionally in the north of Cyprus as a real estate agent of Lithuanian origin for 15 years. Details regarding the issue appeared in the Kıbrıs newspaper published on the island, and the news included details regarding the woman's activities and the detention process.

It was stated that the situation was announced by the detained woman via a video shared on social media accounts, and in this video, she defended her identity and activities. The woman, speaking in the video and identified by the name Žilevičte, claimed that she has resided on the island for about 15 years and established her licensed company by complying with all necessary legal procedures. However, these explanations were not enough to overcome the legal obstacles created against her by the Cyprus Republic (South Cyprus).

The authorities of the Cyprus Republic (South Cyprus) characterize the property sales carried out by the woman in the north of Cyprus, a region under de facto control but not recognized internationally, as 'illegal' and 'appropriation' (colonization). The arrest warrant regarding the issue emerged within the scope of the investigation involving the sale of immovables with Greek Cypriot property status to third parties and rights violations. Such situations demonstrate how legal disputes between the two parts of the island reflect at the international level.

Currently, the extradition process of the woman held in France is being conducted within the framework of international law and pursuant to the European arrest warrant procedure. If her extradition takes place, she will be held accountable in the Cyprus Republic (South Cyprus) and a lawsuit will be filed against her. The woman, on the other hand, attempts to add a different dimension to the situation by declaring in her defense that her activities are completely legal and operated in accordance with the current administration rules in the region. The process is being followed closely in terms of the application of international law and legal treaties.