An investigation into the use of Turkish Cypriot property by the Paphos municipality is expected to be complete within the next two weeks. According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Turkish Cypriot property management service will submit its findings to Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou by March 25, having reviewed a reported 110 contracts signed for property use.
- In response to these allegations, Andreou has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting through social media that her family is facing a “coordinated attack.”
Initial reports indicate that, in the vast majority of cases examined, no irregularities have been found. However, some instances of ‘unilateral differentiation from the purpose of use’ have been noted. For example, properties approved for use as green spaces were found to be used as car parks instead.
Currently, four or five specific cases remain under investigation, stemming from complaints made to the interior ministry. These cases involve incidents where displaced individuals sought to rent properties, but those requests were ultimately assigned to the municipality instead.
The scrutiny of Turkish Cypriot property comes in the wake of allegations against Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who was suspended last month. Attorney-General George Savvides is examining a file that includes claims of illegal handling of abandoned Turkish Cypriot property by Phedonos. Allegations suggest he unlawfully sublet property in the Moutallos district for commercial use.
Phedonos’s suspension followed serious allegations made by land developer Theodoros Aristodemou, who accused him of rape, an incident purported to have occurred a decade ago. Following this, further allegations of domestic abuse were raised by social media influencer Ioanna Photiou, who claimed to possess documents detailing hospital visits related to injuries sustained by Phedonos’ wife, Louiza Andreou.
In response to these allegations, Andreou has publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting through social media that her family is facing a “coordinated attack.”
The investigation into the property leases is part of a broader audit by the interior ministry. Minister Ioannou indicated that over 4,000 rental contracts for Turkish Cypriot properties have been reviewed for potential misuse. Earlier reports suggested that more than 300 contracts had already been terminated due to violations.
Of the 275 contracts signed by municipalities that were inspected, violations were identified in 31 cases. Following the audit, compliance measures were initiated in 13 cases, while warning letters were issued in another 13 instances, and five contracts were terminated. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the complexities surrounding the management of Turkish Cypriot property in the region.
