Philenews

Mayor's Shocking Claims: Drug Trafficking and Extortion in Turkish Cypriot Properties in Lefkara

Published January 20, 2026, 10:22
Mayor's Shocking Claims: Drug Trafficking and Extortion in Turkish Cypriot Properties in Lefkara

The Mayor of Lefkara, Mr. Sofoklis Sofokleous, reported to the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees that Turkish Cypriot properties in the area are being used for drug trafficking, while others are illegally occupied. In some cases, the illegal occupants are demanding 'air money', amounting to up to €25,000, to vacate the properties. Mr. Sofokleous cited specific incidents where occupants of Turkish Cypriot houses requested money from interested parties to leave, including a pregnant refugee to whom €15,000 was demanded. He also emphasized that there are properties that are abandoned and may be used for illegal activities. The mayor proposed a registration of all Turkish Cypriot properties to identify the legal beneficiaries and publish their details. He also expressed his intention to take legal action, even breaking locks, in order to grant the properties to beneficiaries in need. The Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service stated that there are 88 properties in Lefkara, of which 59 are residential and 11 are commercial. Illegalities were detected in 22 residential and 4 commercial properties, such as non-payment of rent and other breaches of contract.