Israeli businessman Simon Aykut transferred to Israel to complete sentence

Israeli businessman Simon Aykut has been transferred from Cyprus to Israel to serve the remainder of his five-year prison sentence. Aykut was convicted on 40 charges related to the illegal development and sale of Greek Cypriot properties in the northern part of Cyprus. The conviction followed an original indictment involving 242 charges, including fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecution lawyer Andreas Aristides noted that Aykut’s company, Afik Group, developed six tourist complexes on land belonging to displaced Greek Cypriots without their consent. Cyprus Justice Minister Costas Fitiris confirmed the transfer, stating that the government is obligated to comply with existing prisoner transfer agreements between the two nations. The transfer was finalized on Friday following the completion of required legal procedures. While the Minister acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue regarding occupied property, he emphasized the necessity of upholding international legal commitments.