Cyprus authorities investigate unauthorized medical centers for illicit plasmapheresis

Following the recent public discourse sparked by the death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis in Greece, the Cyprus Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into two medical centers in Larnaca. Authorities discovered unauthorized plasmapheresis machines on the premises, leading to the filing of three separate complaints with the police. The Ministry has requested that the centers suspend any operations related to these procedures, as they lack the necessary licensing to conduct such medical acts.

The investigation, which formally began on September 14, 2026, involves the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (TAE) and the Ministry of Health's medical services. The probe is focused on verifying whether the possession and use of these machines violate legislation concerning private hospitals and the provision of specialized therapeutic procedures. While one of the centers was previously under scrutiny in 2022 and 2023, reports indicate that it may have resumed operations under a different name after a 2024 bombing incident. The centers' legal representatives have not provided detailed comments at this stage, and the police investigation into the regulatory compliance and potential health risks remains ongoing.