Man arrested at Larnaca airport over alleged €827,400 vehicle import fraud

Larnaca, Cyprus. A 37-year-old man was arrested at Larnaca airport on Thursday on suspicion of stealing more than €800,000 in money and vehicles by allegedly posing as a vehicle importer without importing vehicles.

He is expected to appear before Limassol district court later on Thursday.

Alleged offences

Police said the man is suspected of theft, misappropriation of property by false pretences, money laundering and other similar offences.

He had previously been arrested in the United Kingdom and extradited to Cyprus, according to police.

Twenty cases under investigation

The suspect has been linked to 20 cases allegedly committed in Limassol and Nicosia in 2022 and 2023.

Police said he allegedly obtained €827,400 in money and vehicles under false pretences, including by taking money from people interested in purchasing cars without importing the vehicles.

The investigation is ongoing.