Authorities are currently looking into a situation involving 80 people suspected of running a military-style group involved in property fraud.

The inquiry was initiated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after a law firm identified anomalies with a foreclosed property, unveiling what authorities are calling a structured criminal network.

Two individuals have been detained, while a third suspect is yet to be apprehended.

The Nicosia district court has mandated an eight-day detention for the two detainees – a man and a woman – following their capture.

According to law enforcement, this group operates with a military-style ranking system, utilizes fake documents with their own seals, and prominently exhibits American military symbols. It’s reported that members impersonate postal workers, military staff, and court officials.

The first arrested individual appeared in court wearing a jacket adorned with an emblem of the US Department of the Navy and military rank insignia.

Investigators have found evidence indicating that the group maintains communication with two individuals outside of Cyprus, whom they refer to as “generals”.

Suspiciously, the suspects do not acknowledge the Republic of Cyprus, yet they use falsified state seals on documents. During the probe, officials retrieved documents mimicking proceedings from a military court.

It has been reported that members of the group have sent letters to various government bodies and organizations, signing them off with initials and fingerprints, according to investigators. Numerous participants are suspected to have ongoing cases with companies managing non-performing loans.

The first suspect, who appeared without a lawyer, declared to the court: “I am under the American flag” and claimed to be affiliated with the US government and former President Donald Trump.

Authorities are deliberating potential charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, dissemination of false information likely to disrupt public order or weaken trust in state entities, impersonation, and involvement in a criminal organization.