Irregularities found in prisoner of war benefits in Cyprus

The Pan-Cyprian Association of Prisoners of War 1974 has removed approximately 15 members from its register after cross-referencing records with the International Red Cross revealed they were not recognized prisoners of war. This investigation coincides with an audit by the Auditor General, which identified at least six individuals receiving an annual €2,000 benefit without legal entitlement. Reported irregularities include payments made to a deserter captured after the invasion, as well as individuals who were never active during the conflict or were erroneously listed.

During a session of the Parliamentary Committee for Refugees and Missing Persons, Association President Vasos Christou alleged that political interference facilitated these payments. He reported that some individuals, including those who were trapped in occupied areas but never held as prisoners, were assisted by political actors in bypassing formal criteria to secure benefits through Social Insurance registries. The Parliamentary Committee has begun reviewing these findings, with discussions moving behind closed doors to address potential recovery of funds and the broader implications of these administrative failures.