CYPRUS: Police seek woman who scammed thousands in selling fake holidays

Cyprus police have issued an arrest warrant for a 37-year-old woman believed to have stolen over EUR 100,000 from selling fake holiday packages to unsuspecting Cypriots. 

Aradippou police are investigating a case in which the suspect was paid substantial amounts under false pretenses, after running a travel agency in the village outside Larnaca.

Since January the woman had been booking summer holidays for people and asking them to pay the full amount up front. The travel agent put a down payment on the booking but seemingly pocketed the rest of the money and then did a runner.

Police have received scores of complaints from Aradippou and across the island.

Authorities expect more people to come forward after realising they have been duped and will not be flying anywhere for a holiday.

Meanwhile, police have placed the woman on the stop list but believe she has already left the country.

Although most people book flights and holidays online there are many Cypriot families who book package tours through a travel office.