Two people have reported to police that they purchased apartments at Filanta Court in Larnaca, only to discover that unknown individuals were already living in the properties.
The complaints emerged amid growing concern over conditions at the apartment complex near the Larnaca port roundabout, which has long been associated with overcrowding, illegal subletting and safety concerns.
Multi-agency response planned
A broad meeting was held on Thursday at the initiative of the Larnaca Police Directorate, bringing together all relevant services and local authorities to coordinate action and discuss measures aimed at addressing alleged illegal activity at the complex.
Participants included representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Migration, Social Welfare Services, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), Health Services, the local District Local Government Organisation and the Municipality of Larnaca.
The meeting followed complaints by the Filanta Court Management Committee that a group of foreign nationals is allegedly exploiting around 30 apartments belonging to other owners, subletting them to third parties while also allegedly stealing electricity and water from neighbouring units.
According to information discussed at the meeting, a Cypriot and a foreign national visited Larnaca police headquarters earlier this week and reported that, after buying apartments in the complex, they discovered that other people were living there without their consent and appeared to have agreements with different individuals.
Police investigating multiple complaints
Police have launched an investigation into the reports.
Authorities are also examining a separate complaint involving alleged threats made against the chair of the Filanta Court Management Committee.
Speaking after the meeting, Larnaca Police Director Ioannis Kapnoulas said authorities reviewed the responsibilities of each service and that decisions on further action will be taken soon.
He added that there are plans to conduct checks on all residents of Filanta Court through a joint operation involving multiple government agencies.
Longstanding problems at the complex
Filanta Court consists of five apartment blocks and has for years been the subject of complaints concerning its condition and activities taking place there.
The complex has been declared dangerous by the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation following inspections of the buildings.
On 27 May, during an operation by the Aliens and Immigration Service targeting individuals allegedly residing illegally at the complex, a man of African origin died after jumping from a third-floor balcony.
In recent years, authorities have received numerous complaints relating to noise, illegal residency, unlawful subletting and hygiene conditions at the development.
