Woman who ran away with rent money arrested on return to north Cyprus

A woman who fled the TRNC after stealing money belonging to her landlord arrested at Ercan airport upon her return to the country.

The suspect, GC, a Turkish national was arrested on arrival at Ercan airport on Wednesday June 12.

According to report the suspect fled the country with £14,700 worth of rent money she collected with the approval of her landlord. 

She was brought to the Lefkosia district court on Wednesday.

Police in a court statement said the suspect collected a total of 14,700 pounds in cash, which was the rent of a total of 14 flats located on Korkut Efendi District in Lefkosia, between November 2023 and April 2024, under the directive of the owner of the property, 87-year-old Adil Erdem Ersalahi.

The suspect stole the money she collected by not giving it to the owner, police said in court.

Police stated that statements were obtained from the tenants from whom the suspect received money, and that the witnesses in question said that they paid the money. 

Police stated that an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect on June 6, and that she was detected and arrested while entering the TRNC from Ercan Airport on June 12. 

Police noted that the suspect claimed in her statement that she took the money because she had money to pay. 

Police stated that the investigation was continuing, and statements were to be taken, and requested that the suspect be detained for 2 days in the first instance.