Cypriot FBI: Four sub-directorates, asset seizures and organised crime combat
The new Organised Crime Combating Directorate operates in pilot phase with four sub-directorates and has seized assets exceeding €1.5 million. Drugs, financial crimes and criminal networks are at the centre of focus.
Cypriot FBI in development phase: structure, priorities and initial successes
The new Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (ΔΑΟΕ) is already in pilot operation, comprising four sub-directorates, with the aim of horizontal cooperation between them. According to Politis, the structure and priorities of the service were analysed by Assistant Police Commissioner Christos Andreou, speaking on Politis 107.6 & 97.6's "Morning Review" programme.
The four sub-directorates are the Directorate of Information and Special Operations, the Sub-directorate for Drug Combating, Organised Crime Investigation and Strategic Analysis, International and European Relations. Andreou clarified that the only entirely new service concerns investigators for investigating organised crime, whilst the others strengthen and organise already existing structures.
Mapping criminal networks and investigations at national level
The Directorate of Information and Special Operations will focus on the collection, evaluation and analysis of information, as well as the mapping of criminal persons, groups and networks. Investigators will take on cases of serious organised crime throughout the Republic of Cyprus.
Financial investigations: over €1.5 million in seizures
Andreou stressed that financial investigations are a central tool, as financial power allows criminal networks to fund new activities and regroup. Investigations are activated either when drugs are detected with financial gain, or when a person's assets are not justified by their declared income.
Over the last four to five years the ΥΚΑΝ has seized assets exceeding one-and-a-half to two million euros, with parallel court seizures following. This property may include cash, bank deposits, real estate, vehicles and cryptocurrencies.
For financial investigations, the ΔΑΟΕ cooperates with the Tax Department, Customs and the Land Registry, from which it obtains data. At international level, there is cooperation with Europol, Interpol and police authorities of European and third countries.
International cooperation: murder conspiracy case with Denmark, Sweden and Norway
As a characteristic example of international cooperation, Andreou referred to a recent conspiracy to murder case in which the police forces of Denmark, Sweden and Norway participated.
Drugs: main problem, with indications of Cyprus being used as a transit hub
Drugs are characterised by Andreou as one of the most serious problems of organised criminal groups due to the large profits they generate. Some organisations consist exclusively of Cypriots, whilst others maintain associates abroad — and drugs in each case are imported from abroad.
Regarding the major ketamine case, Andreou stated that it is being investigated whether the quantity was intended for the Cypriot market. Based on data from wastewater analysis, there does not appear to be ketamine use in Cyprus on such a scale, with the indications pointing to the country being used as a transit hub.
Corruption in the Police and infiltration of legitimate businesses
When asked about possible infiltration of criminal organisations into legitimate businesses or state institutions, Andreou stated that there is information that will be investigated, without revealing further details. Regarding corruption within the Police, he noted that one in four cases examined by the ΔΑΟΕ concerns a police colleague, with the investigation based on testimony and data.
Since its inception, the ΔΑΟΕ has already solved four cases, whilst others are ongoing.
Staffing and unified accommodation in Nicosia
The number of staff has not yet been finalised, as the ΔΑΟΕ is in the establishment phase. The services currently remain in their existing premises, whilst work is underway on the process to create a unified space in Nicosia.
The need for unified accommodation arose, amongst other things, from the experience of the corresponding Greek service, with which the ΔΑΟΕ maintains close cooperation. The aim is autonomous operation without information leaks.
Source: Politis