Dialogos

Interior Ministry Launches Audit of Turkish Cypriot Property Leases in Paphos

Published February 14, 2026, 12:02
Interior Ministry Launches Audit of Turkish Cypriot Property Leases in Paphos

The Ministry of Interior is launching audits of leases of Turkish Cypriot properties in Paphos, following allegations concerning the Paphos Municipality and the suspended Mayor of Paphos. The Ministry will conduct sample audits of lease agreements to determine whether regulations are being followed. A team from the Ministry is expected to travel to Paphos within the next week. Ellikos Ilias, Director-General of the Ministry of Interior, stated that the audits are not limited to Paphos but will also be carried out in other provinces. The aim is to rationalize the management of Turkish Cypriot properties and ensure the legality of leases. Mr. Ilias noted that efforts have already been made to rationalize the management of Turkish Cypriot properties in the Mackenzie area, where rents that were very low were revised. The audits in Paphos will examine similar issues. In addition, an administrative investigation into the management of Turkish Cypriot properties in Paphos had taken place during the period 2021-2022, which had made recommendations to the Mayor. The Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service will continue to conduct audits in all provinces on a sample basis. At the same time, normality has been restored in the operation of the Paphos Municipality after the decision to suspend the Mayor. Developments are also expected regarding the Municipal Councilor who was asked to choose between his position and his profession.