Cyprus mayor alleges bribery in Turkish Cypriot property management

The mayor of Pano Lefkara, Sophocles Sophocleous, has publicly accused authorities of corruption and mismanagement in the handling of Turkish Cypriot properties in his village on the island of Cyprus. In radio interviews, he called for immediate action to address what he describes as a flawed system that leaves properties locked and neglected while a housing shortage persists.

Serious Allegations of Corruption

Mayor Sophocleous stated that he possesses specific names linked to alleged bribery and illicit exchanges of Turkish Cypriot properties. He has invited the police to his office to receive this information. The mayor expressed frustration, pointing out a disparity where "some citizens occupy two or three Turkish Cypriot houses that remain locked while poor couples are in immediate need of housing." He intensified his criticism by accusing the Interior Ministry of "lies," "absurdities," and a "cover-up."

Threat of Legal Escalation

Should the authorities fail to act, Mayor Sophocleous has announced his intention to pursue legal measures. He plans to take the interior minister to court for alleged "acts, omissions and opacity" in managing the properties. Furthermore, he intends to initiate legal action concerning the Kornos mills, a site where he claims looting of Turkish Cypriot property has occurred.

Official Denial and Zero-Tolerance Stance

In response to these allegations, the Director of the Turkish Cypriot Property Service, Anthi Lakkotrypi, issued a firm denial. Lakkotrypi rejected the mayor's claims of looting and corruption, asserting that the ministry maintains a strict "zero tolerance for any type of illegality" in its management of Turkish Cypriot properties. This official rebuttal sets the stage for a potential legal and political confrontation over the issue.