Cyprus strengthens its fight against organized crime: more than ten foreign criminal groups operate on the island

Cyprus has become the focus of a major investigation confirming the presence of more than ten organized criminal groups on the island, including those with foreign involvement. Representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the Police reported this during parliamentary hearings, citing data from Interpol and international analytical reports.

According to Minister of Justice Marios Hartsiotis, the nature of crime on the island has changed significantly — gangs now act more openly, resort more often to violence, and actively use financial schemes for money laundering. “Organized crime in Cyprus has changed its face. It no longer hides,” the minister emphasized.

Investigators have established that the activities of these criminal networks include drug trafficking, tobacco smuggling, extortion, illegal gambling, and match-fixing. Many operate in partnership with foreign entities that have financial and logistical links outside Cyprus.

As part of the fight against organized crime, a new division — the Assets Investigation Branch — was established in April 2024. Its officers are responsible for identifying and freezing assets whose origin does not match the official income of their owners. Since its creation, the branch has frozen assets worth around €8.9 million, including cash, real estate, vehicles, jewelry, and cryptocurrency.

The Ministry of Justice stated that it will continue close cooperation with partners from the EU and Interpol to identify and dismantle the international connections of Cypriot criminal networks. The government also plans to improve the financial flow monitoring system and expedite extradition procedures for suspects.

Experts note that Cyprus remains attractive to criminal structures due to its advantageous geographic position, developed banking and tourism sectors, and a high share of cash operations. The authorities emphasize that their priority is not only solving crimes but also eliminating the causes contributing to their spread.

Law enforcement agencies intend to regularly publish reports on ongoing investigations and expand measures to dismantle criminal networks. New arrests and asset seizures are expected in the coming months.