Simon Aykut Trial: Witness Describes Being “Shocked” by Scale of Construction in North

According to Alithia, Kakos, the owner of the Quality Group, gave a detailed account of how he met Jack Afik, the son of Simon Aykut. He said Jack had approached him regarding the sale of the Makenzi building in Larnaca, but no agreement was reached due to the high asking price. Jack later invited him to Famagusta.

Kakos said that upon crossing into the north, he was astonished by the massive “Ceasar” development stretching from Salamis to İskele. “It wasn’t just a few apartment buildings—there were buildings mushrooming everywhere,” he reportedly told the court.

When Kakos asked why the prices were so low, Jack Afik explained that labor costs were cheaper, construction materials were imported from Turkey at lower prices, and the land had already been acquired by Simon Aykut.

Kakos added that Afik acknowledged the area had been inhabited by Greek Cypriots before 1974 and that the buyers of these properties were primarily from Israel, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran.

During his visit, Kakos said he briefly met Simon Aykut—introduced by his son as the “big boss”—but left shortly after, describing himself as “shocked” by what he had seen.

Kakos also testified that following reports published in Politis newspaper and broadcast by Sigma TV, a Georgian woman named Tamara contacted him claiming her life was in danger. He added that Afik blamed both him and Tamara for the media reports.

He said he filed a police complaint and that patrol officers were temporarily stationed around his home as a security measure.

During cross-examination by defense lawyer Maria Neofytou, Kakos acknowledged that Greek Cypriots seeking to sell property in the north did not send title deeds directly and that such transactions are typically handled through intermediaries.

The trial is scheduled to continue on June 2, 6, 19, and 23.