17 April, 14:30 – 15:30 CEST
This webinar examines the intersection of disinformation campaigns and real estate exploitation in occupied Cyprus, specifically focusing on the “ghost city” of Varosha/Famagusta. Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Greek-Cypriot properties in northern Cyprus were illegally appropriated, leading to extensive international legal and ethical concerns. Through a coordinated effort involving the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), affiliated real estate companies, and media entities, disinformation tactics have been strategically employed to attract foreign investors and legitimise the illegal sale and development of these properties.
Highlighting sensationalist narratives such as the transformation of Varosha into the “Las Vegas of the Mediterranean,” the campaign utilised misleading claims about high-profile international figures to lend credibility and obscure legal risks. The webinar will explore how these efforts have capitalised on geopolitical tensions, including Brexit and the war in Ukraine, to position northern Cyprus as an attractive, albeit deceptive, investment destination.
By dissecting specific cases involving fabricated stories – such as King Charles III purportedly owning luxury property in Varosha and false allegations of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s casino investment – the webinar reveals how disinformation not only perpetuates property usurpation but also deepens divisions between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. The discussion will conclude by outlining effective countermeasures, emphasising continuous monitoring, diplomatic engagement, legal actions, and targeted awareness campaigns aimed at safeguarding international investors and upholding international law.
This case study is part of the ATHENA project’s broader research into foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
Watch the replay of the session here:
Speaker:
Demetris Paschalides, Post-doctoral Researcher, University of Cyprus
Dr. Demetris Paschalides is a post-doctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Internet Computing at the University of Cyprus. His research focuses on AI-driven identification of online hate speech and misinformation, as well as modeling polarization and its role in misinformation detection. His work integrates AI, Machine Learning, and NLP, with publications in ACM ToIT, WI, OSNEM, and ASONAM.
Moderator:
Inès Gentil, Project Officer, EU DisinfoLab
Inès Gentil is a Project Officer at EU DisinfoLab, where she contributes to the implementation of three EU-funded projects: ATHENA, vera.ai, and EDMO BELUX 2.0. She holds a double Master’s degree in Policies and Governance in Europe from King’s College London and LUISS, with a specialisation in European external relations. Before joining EU DisinfoLab, she worked at a London-based consultancy specialising in EU and UK public affairs, and has prior experience in the fields of defence, security, and public diplomacy.
The opinions expressed are those of the speakers/authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of EU DisinfoLab. This webinar does not represent an endorsement by EU DisinfoLab of any organisation.