€237,000 found in safety deposit box as investigation widens
The Cyprus socialite crime probe has widened this week, with six suspects now in custody as police investigate alleged money laundering, corruption, and links to organised crime. Among them is a 37-year-old high-profile socialite well known in Nicosia’s elite circles, believed to be the partner of a convicted felon accused of running the criminal operation from within the Central Prisons.
The 37-year-old woman, known in elite social circles and allegedly the partner of a convicted felon, is one of six suspects accused of participating in a criminal network operating from within the Central Prisons. The network is believed to involve drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and protection rackets, with authorities tracing its financial operations back to the woman’s family and their jewellery business in Nicosia.
Her parents and brother were brought before court on Thursday morning, where police successfully requested an extension of their eight-day detention. The court found that sufficient evidence exists to justify continued remand, citing risks of witness tampering and evidence interference. The 37-year-old, along with a 40-year-old man and the imprisoned alleged ringleader, will remain in custody until Saturday.
The case erupted after a coordinated police operation on 26 June, led by the Crime Investigation Department and the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit. Searches were conducted in the prison cell of the inmate believed to be the mastermind, as well as in properties linked to his suspected accomplices.
Authorities discovered significant amounts of cash during the raids. In a single safety deposit box registered to the 37-year-old businesswoman, investigators found €237,000 in cash. Additional searches yielded nearly €54,000 in her residence, €149,000 at her parents’ home, €83,000 with her brother, and over €33,000 at the family jewellery shop. A painting worth €2,000 was also seized.
Police claim the woman acted as the financial coordinator in the Cyprus socialite crime probe, allegedly managing and storing illicit funds across family properties and businesses. Testimonies from her relatives vary. Her father admitted to safeguarding cash at her request, while her mother acknowledged receiving expensive gifts from the inmate, including the seized artwork. Her brother exercised his right to remain silent.
The inmate has reportedly confirmed his relationship with the woman and his communications with her mother. He also admitted sending the artwork.
In total, six people have been arrested: the socialite, her parents, her brother, a 40-year-old man identified as a financial collector for the ring, and the inmate himself. Three prison guards are also under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes from the woman to offer preferential treatment to her partner.
According to the lead investigator, at least 41 witness statements have been taken so far, with 63 expected in total. Police have also confiscated computers, accounting records, and electronic devices, all currently under analysis.
During Thursday’s hearing, the defence argued that the detention extension was unjustified, claiming the new evidence was circumstantial and did not establish direct involvement. However, the court disagreed, stating that evidence had emerged sufficient to support the continued investigation of serious offences, including conspiracy to commit a felony, corruption, and money laundering.
As the Cyprus socialite crime probe continues, public interest remains high, given the profile of the suspects and the suspected scale of the operation. Authorities stress that more evidence may surface as digital forensics and witness interviews proceed in the coming days.
Also read: 37-year-old Natalie wanted in Cyprus for five serious offences
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