Man detained in Cyprus with a metal detector near an archaeological site in Kouklia

Cyprus Police detained a 41-year-old Greek Cypriot man who was carrying out illegal excavations near an archaeological site in Kouklia in the Paphos district. A metal detector and a pickaxe were confiscated from him.

A report of suspicious activity near the monument was received at around 18:30 on Monday. Archaeologists reported the incident: a group of 16 students from the University of Athens, accompanied by a lecturer, was working nearby conducting research with the permission of the Department of Antiquities.

Police officers who arrived at the scene found the 41-year-old man with a metal detector and a pickaxe, while fresh holes approximately 50 cm deep were discovered at the same location.

The detainee is accused of carrying out illegal excavations with the aim of finding antiquities and possessing a metal detector without a permit — he did not have the right to use the device. The investigation is being conducted by the Paphos Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the man was taken to Paphos Court for the case to be registered.

Kouklia is the site of ancient Palaipafos, home to a sanctuary of Aphrodite; together with other monuments in Paphos, it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The use of metal detectors in Cyprus is permitted only with the authorisation of the Department of Antiquities.