Ahmet Noyan, a 52-year-old property developer and director of the Noyanlar group, appeared in court in Trikomo on Wednesday following his arrest on suspicion of negligence after a fire broke out at one of his company’s buildings. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Riverside Life Residence, a complex with over 800 holiday apartments. The fire prompted the evacuation of 50 people, with no serious injuries reported.

Noyan was arrested on Tuesday along with two other Noyanlar directors. All three were charged and released the next day. The Noyanlar group is a prominent construction company in northern Cyprus, employing more than 1,500 people and responsible for 28 construction projects in the Trikomo area.

Noyan has faced previous controversies, including reports of being banned from entering the United Arab Emirates over alleged construction on land owned by Greek Cypriots. He also testified in a case involving Greek Cypriots arrested in the north last year, who were later released.