Simon Aykut’s Trial Continues: Son Afik Yaacov Added to Wanted List

The court proceedings have seen contentious discussions regarding two companies registered in Southern Cyprus and the presentation of evidence.

The Greek Cypriot newspaper Politis reported that during yesterday’s hearing, a police officer testified about investigations conducted using open internet sources and websites belonging to Afik’s construction group. The officer also mentioned findings related to Afik Yaacov’s involvement and confirmed that Afik is on the wanted list.

During cross-examination, the defense lawyer questioned the officer about research conducted by the police interrogation team and the evidence presented in court, particularly documents relating to the companies Afik and Simon Aykut are connected with. The officer explained that references to the year 2021 are connected to a case opened that year, though he was unsure about the extent of investigations at that time.

The defense also noted that the Civil Registry and Migration Department officer had been interviewed twice about Simon Aykut and his sons’ administrative files (in 2021 and 2024). It was revealed that Simon Aykut made 31 border crossings from and to the north between 2021 and his arrest. The defense questioned why, given the data the police had, no arrest was made earlier.

The Politis report noted that cross-examination will continue on Thursday, 22 May, and the prosecution is expected to present new witnesses. The Greek Cypriot High Criminal Court has scheduled further sessions on 27 and 28 May at 09:30.

Meanwhile, Haravgi newspaper highlighted that during the trial in Nicosia Criminal Court, Greek Cypriot lawyers questioned Simon Aykut about two companies registered in Southern Cyprus allegedly connected to him, which relate to the seizure of former Greek Cypriot properties in the TRNC. The defense lawyer pointed out that these details have not been officially included in the case file.

During interrogation by a police officer from the Nicosia Greek Police Department, lawyer Maria Neofitu noted that one piece of evidence— a black file—was seized from the home of Rafail Lazaru, director of the Verol Investments company in Southern Cyprus. She asked why the contents of this file had not been submitted to the court. The officer replied that he was not asked to submit it and stated that no connection between Aykut and Verol Investments was seen.

Neofitu further stated that requests were made to freeze the assets of both Verol Investments and another Southern Cyprus-registered company, Liolia Ltd (directed by Ermi Hristodulu), which are allegedly linked to Simon Aykut’s son’s residence in Larnaca. The request referred to company assets rather than the directors’ names but specifically mentioned Simon Aykut by name.