Justice Minister Costas Fytiris has declared a personal war on organised crime, corruption and extortion rings, unveiling a comprehensive five-pillar plan that includes the establishment of a Cypriot FBI. This initiative aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities and effectively tackle the growing threat posed by criminal networks.
- He stated, "We cannot do the same unless we have laws for the use of that technology," pointing to the necessity of legislative frameworks that keep pace with advancements in criminal methods.
A Comprehensive Strategy Against Organised Crime
At a recent press conference, Fytiris emphasised the urgent need for the country to rid itself of organised crime, stating, “The country needs to rid itself of organised crime, corruption and extortion rings.” He expressed his personal commitment to this cause, highlighting that his approach will strictly adhere to legal protocols. “If there are rotten apples, we want to remove them and we will. It takes patience, planning and programming,” he added.
Police Operations and Evidence Gathering
Fytiris cautioned that social media posts alone cannot instigate arrests, stressing the importance of solid evidence and written testimonies for police action. He indicated that operations against organised crime would intensify but must be conducted with a methodical approach, discretion, and absolute legality. This is in stark contrast to the criminal networks that exploit technological advances without adherence to any rules.
He stated, “We cannot do the same unless we have laws for the use of that technology,” pointing to the necessity of legislative frameworks that keep pace with advancements in criminal methods.
Establishment of the Cypriot FBI
The proposed Cypriot FBI is currently in an advanced planning stage, with Fytiris reporting that the only remaining step is securing a building for its operations. He anticipates that this facility will be identified by March, allowing the new agency to begin its crucial work against organised crime.
Moreover, he underscored the need for the police to undergo continuous reorganisation to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, noting that what is considered cutting-edge today could become outdated as criminals acquire newer and more sophisticated tools.
Legislative Measures for Asset Confiscation
Fytiris highlighted that the Cypriot Parliament has already approved key legislation aimed at facilitating asset confiscation from organised crime figures. He noted that further regulations are in the pipeline to address any institutional gaps. “The legislation for prosecution with measures for recovery and confiscation of unjustified assets is an important weapon against organised crime,” he remarked, reinforcing the government’s commitment to financial accountability within criminal enterprises.
Plans for a New Central Prison
In addition to these initiatives, the Justice Minister announced plans for a new central prison that will adhere to 21st-century standards. This facility will be constructed on a 500,000-square-metre plot of state land located outside urban areas. The new prison is expected to accommodate up to 1,250 inmates and will feature closed, semi-open, and open sections, all designed with modern technology and infrastructure aimed at reducing recidivism rates among offenders. Fytiris set a five-year timeline for its completion.
Creation of an Independent Coastguard
As part of the broader strategy, Fytiris also proposed the establishment of an independent coastguard, which will operate separately from the police. This new entity will be equipped with advanced surveillance technology to monitor Cyprus’s entire maritime zone, extending from the coastline to the limits of its exclusive economic zone. He indicated that the core of this coastguard will consist of port police and a helicopter squadron, collaborating with vessels from the Port Authority and the Fisheries Department.
Fytiris pointed out that maritime security and the protection of critical coastal infrastructure, including the Vasilikos energy centre, are driving factors behind this initiative. He plans to submit the proposal for the new coastguard to the Cabinet for approval shortly.
Commitment to Modernisation
With these initiatives, Fytiris is striving to create a robust framework to combat organised crime and enhance public safety in Cyprus. By establishing a Cypriot FBI, modernising the prison system, and creating a dedicated coastguard, the government aims to build a more secure environment for its citizens.
As Fytiris noted, achieving these goals will require dedication and a clear commitment to following the law. As the government moves forward with this ambitious plan, the focus remains on the importance of teamwork among various agencies and the necessity of adapting to an ever-evolving landscape of crime.
