Police and the EAC visited the Filanda building in Larnaca on Monday to conduct an inspection, as Police Spokesperson Byron Vyronos told CNA. When asked to comment on the contents of a letter from the complex’s management committee—which mentions the illegal occupation and use of apartments, subleasing, theft of electricity and water, and dangerous electrical connections, Mr. Vyronos stated that the police have not received any complaints, nor have they, to date, received any correspondence from a lawyer regarding any complaints concerning this specific building.
When asked whether a complaint had been filed prior to their visit to the site today, he stated that no such complaint existed, explaining that inspections are conducted frequently because there are some complaints.
Regarding today’s visit by the police and the EAC, Mr. Vyronos explained that officials found evidence of tampering involving the removal of safety devices, “but it is not clear whether electricity is being stolen, which is a criminal offense to be investigated by the police,” noting that the meters were sealed and a lock was installed. He added that “as for the other matters discussed today—whether regarding threats, the operation of a preschool on the premises, or letters from lawyers—we have not received any complaints as a police department.”
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He went on to say that the police will investigate whether electricity has been stolen from the meter, noting that this was not made clear during today’s inspection by the power company.
He added that the inspection is ongoing and that 11 inspections have been conducted at this specific site in 2026, and he added that “if the building is dangerous, there are specific procedures that must be followed: it must be designated as dangerous, evacuated, and sealed off,” clarifying that this is not within the jurisdiction of the Police.
As she noted, the building consists of five blocks and has a total of 150 apartments.
The letter from the Management Committee
It should be noted that on October 3, the Management Committee of the “Filanda” complex sent a letter to the relevant authorities, in which it refers to the illegal occupation and use of apartments, illegal subletting, theft of electricity and water, as well as dangerous electrical connections, and requesting immediate intervention by the police, immigration authorities, and social services. However, as indicated by statements from the Police Spokesperson, the matter has not yet been brought to the attention of the Police Force.
The letter is addressed to the Minister of Justice and Public Order, the Chief of Police, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, the Director of the Immigration Department, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, and the Director of Social Welfare Services, and is copied to the Larnaca Police Director, the Aliens and Immigration Service, and the Larnaca District Welfare Office.
The letter states that, despite repeated complaints, reports continue to be made regarding the illegal occupation and use of apartments, illegal subletting, fraudulent use of electricity and water, dangerous illegal electrical connections, as well as conditions that endanger residents, including young children.
The Management Committee requests that the Police conduct an immediate on-site operation, identify the individuals who occupy or use the affected units, investigate the alleged offenses, and secure evidence.
Specific provisions of the law are also invoked, and it is requested that, where the legal conditions are met, lawful arrest powers be exercised immediately.
The Immigration Department is requested to conduct an immediate, individualized review of all foreign nationals involved, based on the relevant provisions of the legislation on Foreign Nationals and Immigration. The letter points out that these specific provisions allow for an administrative assessment based on available evidence and the risk to public safety, public order, and the rule of law.
At the same time, it requests that, for any person found to meet the legal requirements, the prescribed procedures for arrest, detention, and deportation, as well as the adoption of the necessary measures to prevent their re-entry into the Republic.
With regard to the Social Welfare Services, an immediate on-site assessment of all minors residing in the building is requested, along with the implementation of the necessary protective measures, in accordance with the Children’s Act. As noted, the presence of children in a building with illegal electrical connections, exposed wiring, and other serious hazards requires immediate intervention.
The Management Committee further notes that the alleged violations are ongoing and maintains that the competent authorities must immediately examine the specific evidence and, where the legal requirements are met, proceed without delay with the prescribed actions.
Finally, it requests that, within 48 hours, the responsible official or officer from each agency who will take charge of coordination be identified, along with the actions that have been taken or are being planned.
Source: CNA
