Cyprus plans to establish an organised crime division within its police, as announced by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis on Thursday. This new initiative follows a meeting in Nicosia with Michalis Chrisochoidis, Greece’s Minister of Citizen Protection.
- In this collaborative effort, both the Cypriot and Greek police aim to bolster their effectiveness in tackling organised crime, marking a significant step in addressing the growing threat.
The division is set to take cues from a similar unit in Greece, which has been operational for about a year. Hartsiotis expressed urgency in setting up the Cypriot counterpart, although he refrained from providing a specific timeline for its launch. “There is no timeframe, but efforts are underway to set it up as soon as possible and in the best possible way,” he stated, emphasising the importance of doing things correctly rather than merely focusing on speed.
As discussions progressed, the minister acknowledged that locating suitable premises for the new division is in the works, with hopes of finding a solution soon. The need for a dedicated unit is underscored by the cross-border nature of organised crime, prompting Cyprus to seek collaboration with Greek authorities for expertise and resources.
“Organised crime is a complex threat,” Hartsiotis remarked. “It necessitates a non-stop battle and constant vigilance if one is to have the best possible results.” His remarks were echoed by Chrisochoidis, who highlighted that organised crime is an international issue, interlinked with criminal gangs operating widely across the region.
Chrisochoidis noted the success of the Greek unit, which has reportedly achieved significant results within its first year, including 1,500 arrests and 550 pre-trial detentions. “This points to the scope of the effort,” he added, reinforcing the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement.
Recent media reports suggested that Greek law enforcement had briefed their Cypriot counterparts on specific criminals believed to be planning to enter Cyprus for illegal activities. While Chrisochoidis did not confirm these reports, he assured that both nations are working closely on a daily basis to combat organised crime. A ‘hot line’ has been established between the police chiefs of Cyprus and Greece, enhancing communication and collaboration between the two forces.
In this collaborative effort, both the Cypriot and Greek police aim to bolster their effectiveness in tackling organised crime, marking a significant step in addressing the growing threat.
