A Hungarian woman on Wednesday admitted to illegally advertising Greek Cypriot-owned properties for sale in northern Cyprus, marking the first guilty plea in the high-profile case. The admission was made before the Nicosia Criminal Court, where she accepted 19 of the 63 charges she faces.

The case centres on the promotion of real estate developments built on land owned by Greek Cypriots before the 1974 division of the island. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was accused of advertising properties in the Bucket, Hawaii, Bahamas, and Aloha complexes, all located in northern Cyprus.

A second Hungarian national, also facing charges, will have her case heard on April 11 at 9am. On the same day, the court will proceed with sentencing the woman who pleaded guilty today, following a review of the case facts and final arguments.

The trial is being closely watched, as it highlights the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding property rights in northern Cyprus. Many Greek Cypriots who fled during the conflict still hold legal ownership of lands now under Turkish Cypriot control, leading to disputes over sales and development.

Authorities in the Republic of Cyprus have intensified efforts to prevent the unauthorised sale of such properties, warning that individuals involved could face criminal charges.