UK intelligence and military sources have reportedly raised concerns that foreign agents could use the luxury City of Dreams Mediterranean resort in Limassol to monitor RAF Akrotiri, according to an exclusive report by the Telegraph.
The 16-storey resort complex, which is Chinese-owned, borders British Sovereign Base Area territory at two points and, because of its height and location, offers views towards parts of the military installation.
According to sources cited by the British newspaper, an observer on the upper floors using even ordinary binoculars could potentially monitor aircraft taking off and landing, as well as the movement of personnel around the base.
What could potentially be monitored
The Telegraph reports that the location could potentially allow information to be gathered on aircraft and personnel movement patterns, the frequency of military sorties and the base’s operating procedures.
Other potential observations cited include perimeter security and patrols, responses to drone threats and flights that do not appear on publicly available tracking systems.
RAF Akrotiri is considered particularly significant because of its central role in British military operations in the Middle East.
Advanced F-35 fighter jets have operated from the base at various times, as have US U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.
Sources cited by the Telegraph said the RAF has counter-intelligence measures in place, although details were not disclosed for operational security reasons.
Concerns over owner’s links to Beijing
City of Dreams Mediterranean is owned by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which is headed by Chinese-Canadian billionaire Lawrence Ho.
Ho is a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a body that occupies a significant position within Beijing’s political system.
According to the report, this connection, combined with the hotel’s geographical position, has contributed to concerns among military officials over potential RAF Akrotiri spying.
However, the Telegraph stressed that there is no evidence of wrongdoing by Ho, Melco or the hotel.
Journalists from the newspaper who visited the resort also found no suspicious activity.
Hotel calls claims ‘entirely baseless’
A spokesperson for City of Dreams Mediterranean categorically rejected the suggestions, stressing that it is a commercial resort dedicated exclusively to tourism, entertainment and business events.
“Any suggestion that our facilities serve any other purpose is entirely baseless and rejected in the strongest possible terms,” the spokesperson said.
The resort also stressed that it was developed and operates under the licensing, planning and regulatory framework of the Republic of Cyprus and is subject to oversight by the relevant authorities.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the security of its personnel, bases and British interests is treated with the utmost seriousness.
It added that RAF Akrotiri is protected by “robust and multi-layered security measures” that are kept under continuous review.
Also read: Cyprus travel set for record 2.1 million trips
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
