Two Hungarian nationals appeared on Thursday before a criminal court to hear charges relating to the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north of the island.

The two defendants, both female, face a total of 63 counts on charges including conspiracy to commit fraudulent transactions, fraud, and conspiracy to possess and use land registered in another person’s name.

According to the public prosecutor, the amount earned by the two defendants while pursuing these activities comes to €271,000.

The defendants allegedly earned this money via the advertising and sale of tourist premises that were built, or will be built, in Kyrenia, Ayios Amvrosios and Akanthou – in other words in areas not controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and without the consent of the lawful owners of the properties in question.

The prosecution further alleges that the two women were aware that these activities were illegal.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution requested that the women be held in custody, but defence lawyer Rikkos Mappourides objected. The judge deferred his decision on this to Friday.