A Lithuanian national arrested in France is set to be transferred to Cyprus to face charges linked to the alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north, in the latest development in a series of cases that have either led to convictions or remain pending before the courts.
The case took a significant turn on July 1, when a French Court of Appeal approved the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the Republic of Cyprus against the suspect.
The woman had been arrested in France on May 16, 2026, in connection with the criminal investigation.
Reversal of earlier French court position
The ruling is particularly noteworthy because the same French appellate court had, on December 10, 2025, rejected the execution of a similar European Arrest Warrant issued by Cypriot authorities against an Iranian national wanted in a separate case involving the alleged usurpation of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
According to the Law Office of the Republic, Cyprus was authorised, following a request to the French court, to participate in the proceedings through lawyers appointed by the Attorney-General.
During the hearing, the Republic presented its legal arguments regarding the correct interpretation of Protocol No. 10 of Cyprus' Act of Accession to the European Union, relying on case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the legal framework governing the execution of European Arrest Warrants in cases involving property-related offences committed in the occupied areas.
Court rejects previous reasoning
The Legal Service said these legal arguments led to a complete reversal of the reasoning adopted in the December 2025 ruling.
In the latest decision, the French court concluded that the fact the alleged offences were committed in parts of the Republic of Cyprus where the government does not exercise effective control does not exclude the application of European Union law, nor does it prevent the execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued by a competent Cypriot court.
The court further held that the suspension of the application of the EU acquis in the occupied areas under Protocol No. 10 must be interpreted narrowly and does not preclude the application of EU law in relation to decisions of Cypriot courts concerning offences involving immovable property in those areas.
Reference to international law
The French court also underlined that the self-declared "TRNC" is the result of a serious violation of international law, which prohibits the use of force and the acquisition of territory by force.
As a consequence, the court said there is an obligation of non-recognition of that unlawful situation, as well as a duty to refrain from actions that could contribute to its continuation.
The extradition marks another significant step in Cyprus' efforts to pursue criminal cases linked to the exploitation and alleged illegal use of Greek Cypriot properties in the north.
