Damianou alleges intimidation of Larnaca homeowners to secure property sales

Larnaca, Cyprus. Akel MP Aristos Damianou alleged on Friday that foreign property developers were using intimidation to pressure Larnaca residents into selling their homes. He told the Cyprus Mail that two owners had personally brought such allegations to him.

Claims concern properties in Skala

According to Damianou, the properties are in the Skala neighbourhood, near the old stadium, behind the former GSZ stadium. He said foreign men had visited Cypriot-owned properties in both cases, employing tactics he described as unethical.

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Damianou declined to comment when asked whether the owners had reported the alleged threats to police.

In an appearance on Sigma TV, he said “business representatives, smartly dressed, are arriving with henchmen to secure owners’ consent to sell”.

He added that an eventual sale agreement might mean no police complaint was ever submitted, leaving unanswered how the owner’s consent had been secured.

Committee hears concerns over ownership transparency

Damianou, chairman of the House interior committee, had raised the allegations on Thursday at a session examining property acquisitions by foreign interests. He said the men were applying pressure and using improper methods to drive residents out.

The committee also heard claims of concealed contracts at the land and surveys department. Damianou questioned how land in Cyprus could change hands while the buyers’ identities remained unknown, saying this cast doubt on transparency and on who actually owned the properties.