Iranian National Arrested for Property Seizure in Famagusta

A 39-year-old Iranian national has been arrested in Nice, France, on a European warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus, for alleged involvement in the seizure of Greek Cypriot properties in the occupied territories.

Police spokesperson Kyriaki Lambrianidou confirmed the arrest. According to Turkish Cypriot press, the individual is Behdad Jafari, of Iranian origin, who allegedly holds illegal citizenship in the pseudo-state.

Jafari is allegedly involved in the construction of seven tourist complexes in occupied Famagusta. On social media, he presents himself as the owner of isatis.construction, a construction company operating in the occupied territories that advertises the sale of luxury apartments and villas.

The projects advertised by the company include: sunrise villas, ORCHARD PROJECT, FIORA, ELYSIUM, ELYSIUM 2, infinity, and Hillside.

The Turkish Cypriot press reports that Jafari collaborates with subsidiaries of the Afik group, owned by Simon Aykut, who has admitted to charges of seizing Greek Cypriot properties.

Jafari's family claims that the arrest is politically motivated and is requesting diplomatic efforts for his release. His company has been operating in the construction sector in the occupied territories since 2015.