MOSCOW, March 19 (RAPSI) – Two employees of Russian businessman operating in Cyprus admitted that they have stolen almost half a million euros from their employer, Cyprus Mail reported on Thursday.

Police sources told Cyprus Mail that Russian entrepreneur who owns several companies in Limassol asked his staff members to buy a house in the Ayios Athanasios area of the city back in 2012.

He provided them with a large sum, €500,000, which was paid to real estate developer. However, the businessman at some point decided to back off from the deal, Cyprus Mail reported.

According to the police sources, a 39-year old Greek Cypriot man and a 31-year old Russian woman who were tasked with the purchase recovered €470,000 back from the developer leaving him with €30,000 in fees for breach of contract. The couple of employees have not returned money to businessman and refused to answer his calls for a long time forcing him to report the case to police in 2013, Cyprus Mail reported.

The couple admitted to theft and promised to return the stolen money, police sources claim. All materials linked to the case would be sent to the Attorney General’s office, Cyprus Mail reported.