Sigma Live

Telegraph: Fears of Russian Property Purchases Near RAF Akrotiri

Published February 25, 2026, 09:12
Telegraph: Fears of Russian Property Purchases Near RAF Akrotiri

According to a report by the British newspaper The Telegraph, European intelligence agencies are expressing concerns about the creation of a network of “Trojan horses” by Russia through the purchase of properties near military bases and critical infrastructure across Europe, including Cyprus. Fears exist that Russian nationals have acquired homes around the British RAF Akrotiri base, which could be used for surveillance, equipment storage, or sabotage. The report states that Russian intelligence services are exploiting loopholes in legislation to acquire holiday homes, warehouses, and apartments near military installations, ports, and energy infrastructure in at least twelve European countries. Sources report that explosives or drones may already have been placed in some locations. Officials believe that Russia may choose “grey zone” attacks to test NATO’s resolve without triggering Article 5 on collective defense. The new head of MI6 has warned that the United Kingdom “now operates in a space between peace and war.” Cyprus, due to the presence of British military installations and its geostrategic location, is included on the map of concern for Western security services. Finland has already imposed strict restrictions on property purchases by Russians and Belarusians.