**North Property Magnate Arrested After Trikomo Fire**
Trikomo, Cyprus – Ahmet Noyan, a prominent property developer and director of the Noyanlar Group, appeared in court on Wednesday following his arrest on suspicion of negligence related to a fire incident at one of his company's developments. The 52-year-old businessman, along with two other directors from the Noyanlar Group, was taken into custody after a fire broke out at the Riverside Life Residence on Sunday evening.
The Riverside Life Residence, located in the Long Beach area of Trikomo, is a large complex comprising over 800 holiday apartments distributed across five tower blocks. The fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 50 residents, although fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The arrests were made on Tuesday, and the three directors were charged and subsequently released on Wednesday. The Noyanlar Group, which claims to be a leader in Cyprus' construction sector, employs over 1,500 people and has been involved in numerous projects across the northern part of the island. The Riverside Life Residence is one of 28 developments undertaken by the company.
Noyan's legal troubles are not new. He was previously called as a prosecution witness in a case involving five Greek Cypriots who were arrested in the north in July 2022. The individuals faced charges including trespassing and privacy violations after a day trip to the area. All five were released in December of the same year.
In addition to his recent legal challenges, Noyan has faced scrutiny in the past regarding his business dealings. Reports from April 2022 indicated that he was denied entry to the United Arab Emirates due to allegations of constructing buildings on land owned by Greek Cypriots in the north. Although it was suggested that he is on a list of individuals banned from entering the UAE, this claim has not been officially confirmed.
The investigation into the fire at Riverside Life Residence is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue to assess the situation. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in the construction industry, particularly in light of the significant number of people living in the complex.
As the case unfolds, the Noyanlar Group's reputation as a major player in the construction market in northern Cyprus may face scrutiny, particularly if negligence is proven in connection with the fire incident.