Nicosia court upholds European investigation orders in case against German real estate agent

The Permanent Assize Court of Nicosia has rejected the defense's objection regarding the legality of four European investigation orders issued against German real estate agent Eva Isabella Kuenzel. The defense had challenged the orders used to collect evidence from German authorities, arguing over which court held jurisdiction. The court ruled that the Nicosia District Court was the appropriate authority for issuing these orders rather than the Assize Court. The investigation orders in question were issued on July 18, July 26, September 2, and September 13, 2024. During the proceedings, the defense also raised concerns regarding interpretation, leading the court to confirm that the accused could follow the trial with Polish translation while ordering that the final decision be translated into German. The defendant faces a total of 46 charges, including fraudulent real estate transactions, illegal use of properties without owner consent, and money laundering. These charges specifically relate to Greek Cypriot properties located in the occupied territories.