19-year-old prisoner escapes from Lakatamia police detention center

On the evening of September 25, 2026, around 7:45 p.m., a 19-year-old Syrian national named Medyan Al Shaban escaped from the police detention center in Lakatamia, Cyprus. The prisoner, who had been remanded in custody by the Limassol District Court to await trial, was discovered missing during a routine headcount. Initial reports indicate he may have escaped by damaging a window in his cell.

The escape has prompted a large-scale manhunt by the Nicosia police, involving the recall of additional personnel to patrol the surrounding areas, with some unconfirmed reports suggesting the escapee may be hiding in the Buffer Zone. The Lakatamia facility, which was reportedly housing approximately 80 prisoners despite having a capacity of 40, has faced previous scrutiny over overcrowding and security gaps, including a similar incident in January 2024.

Police headquarters held an emergency meeting on September 26 to review the security failures and the timeline of the escape. A specialized team from the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department (TAE) is conducting a criminal investigation, which may lead to disciplinary action against staff if negligence is proven. Authorities have released the fugitive’s photograph and are urging the public to provide any information via the Nicosia TAE line or the Citizen's Line.