Cyprus: Revelations in the Trial of the Convicted Man, His 37-Year-Old Partner, and the 40-Year-Old ‘Collector’

Authorities in Cyprus are working to unravel a major scandal involving a convicted man, his 37-year-old girlfriend, her father, mother, and brother. The case has now reached the courts, with the entire nation closely following the trial’s developments and any potential involvement of other public officials. Analysis of phone records revealed that instructions regarding cash management and drugs were sent directly from the convicted man’s prison cell to the 37-year-old businesswoman. Police also seized hundreds of thousands of euros hidden in safes at her family homes and even discovered a valuable painting gifted by the convict to her mother. The accused — the convict, the 37-year-old woman, and her 40-year-old brother, believed to be the money collector and middleman — appeared before the Nicosia District Court. Police requested an extension of their eight-day detention for another eight days. According to Investigator Makis Nicolaou, the criminal network made impressive profits — over €50,000 per week and more than €1 million in six months. So far, 61 testimonies have been collected, with 53 more expected, while 14 searches uncovered large sums of money, computers, and other evidence. The investigator also testified that there are reports linking the convict, George Zavrantonis, to illegal gambling operations. Authorities are conducting a thorough financial investigation, which is expected to expand into Nicosia nightclubs to determine whether the money came from protection rackets. The investigation began after police received information on June 18 about money laundering activities allegedly committed since the start of the year.Targeted searches led to the arrest of six people, including the convict and his partner Natalie Tziapoura, as well as the so-called ‘collector.’ Police found hundreds of thousands of euros in cash, mobile phones, computers, and documents during raids. Three prison guards (two women and one man), who were placed on administrative leave but not arrested, are suspected of receiving bribes from the 37-year-old woman to provide favors to the inmate.