Famagusta, Cyprus. A 31-year-old man has been remanded for one day by the Famagusta district court in connection with an online fraud case involving more than €14,000 allegedly obtained through false representations.
Arrest and remand
Police said the man was arrested following cooperation with Spanish authorities after being identified in an investigation into fraud, obtaining money by deception, and money laundering. Cypriot authorities had issued a European arrest warrant after evidence emerged during an investigation by Famagusta CID.
Complaint and alleged scam
The case relates to a complaint filed in March 2024 by a 62-year-old shop owner in Famagusta district. Police said the businessman found an online retail company based in another European country in February 2024 and placed an order for goods.
According to the complaint, after email communication with the supposed company, he was instructed to transfer payment to a bank account in Spain and subsequently transferred €14,678. Police said communication then stopped, leading the complainant to suspect fraud and report the matter.
Cooperation with Spain and extradition approval
Police said investigations carried out in cooperation with Spanish authorities helped identify the beneficiary of the Spanish bank account. On May 5, Cypriot police were informed by Spanish authorities that the 31-year-old had been located and arrested in Spain under the European arrest warrant.
Following court proceedings in Spain, authorities approved his extradition to Cyprus.
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