FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Simos Mitidis, the Greek Cypriot community leader of the mixed village of Pyla, has raised concerns about rising crime in the area, claiming the village has become a haven for underworld activity.
Residents, he said, are now afraid to leave their homes at night.
The local newspaper Fileleftheros described Pyla as being transformed into “Las Vegas,” blaming the abuse of its special status.
While the Republic of Cyprus’ laws apply on paper, enforcement is reportedly lacking, and the United Nations, which monitors the village, has been accused of inaction.
The paper also claimed the problem has been ignored to avoid upsetting the delicate political balance in the area.
Mitidis alleged that the daily lives of villagers had changed significantly as casinos and bars, associated with human trafficking and drug activity, have proliferated.
The village now hosts 11 casinos, two bars, and two other ‘suspicious venues,’ he said, adding that the establishments began operating in Turkish Cypriot buildings 15 years ago and do not pay utility bills.
Efforts to impose garbage taxes on the businesses failed, forcing residents to absorb the costs, Mitidis noted. “Our people used to walk freely in the streets,” he said. “Now, they are afraid to go out at night.”
Mitidis recalled a 2016 operation that temporarily shut down illegal venues, but he said the businesses have since reopened and expanded, with most of their customers reportedly coming from Greece.
Despite the challenges, he highlighted the peaceful coexistence of Pyla’s Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot residents, calling it a rare example of two communities living in harmony.