Police investigate medical centers in Larnaca over unauthorized plasmapheresis

Cypriot authorities have launched an investigation into medical centers in Larnaca following a complaint from the Ministry of Health regarding the operation of plasmapheresis machines. The Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) established a specialized investigative team after receiving a letter from the Medical Services Department dated September 14, 2026, identifying two centers of concern, with one found to be in possession of plasmapheresis equipment. Investigators are currently gathering statements to determine if the use of these devices violates legislation, particularly as these procedures should be performed in specialized clinical settings rather than outpatient facilities.

This inquiry coincides with a broader push for regulatory oversight across Cyprus and Greece, fueled by recent controversies regarding unlicensed medical practices and the public debate sparked by the death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis during a similar procedure in Athens. The specific Larnaca center under scrutiny has been subject to previous investigations in 2022 and 2023, though prior cases did not lead to criminal prosecutions due to insufficient evidence. Authorities are now examining the qualifications of a physician allegedly performing these treatments without proper specialization. The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS), is currently mapping all medical facilities providing high-risk invasive procedures to ensure compliance.