Funeral parlors accused of paying bribes for bodies

Licensed funeral parlor owners in Cyprus are raising alarm over what they describe as an alarming trend of illegal funeral homes bribing hospital workers to secure the bodies of the deceased. According to Giorgos Kyriakidis, the representative of licensed funeral homes, unlicensed operators are paying kickbacks ranging from €100 to €200 to nurses, cleaners, and even hospital institutions to refer them clients. These bribes, he claims, are ultimately passed on to the grieving families, further inflating the cost of funerals for those already dealing with the pain of loss.

Kyriakidis, speaking on ANT1’s "Mera Mesimeri" on Tuesday, said that there are at least 12 unlicensed funeral homes operating in Cyprus, none of which comply with the necessary legal requirements. Unlike licensed businesses, these illegal operators avoid paying state taxes and contributions, allowing them to offer significantly lower prices. However, the financial advantages for these illegal players come at a heavy cost to society, as they circumvent the law and put legitimate funeral parlors at a disadvantage.

“We don’t buy dead people, we hold funerals,” Kyriakidis remarked, drawing a clear distinction between the ethical standards upheld by licensed funeral parlors and the unscrupulous tactics of the unlicensed ones. He expressed frustration with the Ministry of Interior, which he claims has failed to address the issue despite numerous proposals and solutions from licensed funeral home operators.

Kyriakidis also emphasized that while the legitimate funeral businesses contribute significantly to the economy—raking in between €5 to €6 million in turnover annually—their illegal counterparts are taking a much-needed chunk of that revenue without contributing to the state’s finances. “The penalties for illegal operations are laughable,” Kyriakidis said, criticizing the €3,000 fine imposed on unlicensed funeral parlors.

With licensed funeral parlors feeling the squeeze, some are now considering drastic measures. Kyriakidis mentioned that, in response to the inaction by the authorities, some licensed funeral home operators are contemplating stopping their own tax contributions altogether, knowing that the penalties for doing so would likely be less severe than the ongoing competition from illegal players.

As the government turns a blind eye to what many consider an industry in crisis, the question remains: will action be taken to stop the cycle of exploitation, or will families continue to bear the brunt of this unchecked practice?