Newsroom
A 76-year-old man was arrested Thursday in Larnaca after a joint investigation between Cypriot and German authorities uncovered his involvement in an internet fraud and money laundering scheme.
The arrest followed a European arrest warrant issued by Cyprus, stemming from an ongoing investigation into a 2022 online fraud case. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was located in Germany in November 2023 and taken into custody there. Following a legal process, German authorities approved his extradition to Cyprus.
Members of Larnaca’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) traveled to Germany to escort the man back to Cyprus on January 30. Upon arrival at Larnaca airport, he was arrested with a court-issued warrant.
The fraud case was first reported by a Larnaca resident, who in August 2022, paid €150,000 to purchase a tractor-type vehicle through an online transaction. However, after completing the wire transfer, the buyer never received the vehicle, realizing he had been scammed.
Further investigations revealed evidence linking the 76-year-old to the crime. The Larnaca CID is continuing its inquiry into the case, with authorities working closely with their German counterparts.
This arrest highlights the growing international cooperation in combating online fraud and money laundering. The investigation remains ongoing as more details are uncovered.
