Teenager escapes from Omorfita police station in Nicosia

On Friday, June 12, 2026, a 17-year-old Syrian teenager escaped from police custody at the Omorfita police station in Nicosia. The suspect was being held in connection with an ongoing investigation into theft and illegal possession of property. According to reports, the teenager allegedly feigned illness to escape from custody without handcuffs. In response to the breach, police chief Themistos Arnaoutis activated a crisis management center and deployed increased patrols across the capital. The suspect was recaptured a few hours later after handing himself over at a police station. Chief Arnaoutis has since appointed an investigating officer to examine potential disciplinary actions against the responsible officer, who has been placed on leave. An official investigation into the security failures at the station is currently underway.