Police are set to finalise the establishment of a new Anti-Organised Crime Directorate, modelled after the Greek ‘FBI’, with a projected launch in early 2026. This elite unit, first announced by former Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, aims to consolidate intelligence and operational powers that are currently fragmented across multiple independent services.
The new Directorate will report directly to the Chief of Police and will be empowered to dismantle the financial and operational networks of organised crime.
Anti-organised crime: A Unified Approach to Combat Crime
In a notable structural shift, several key agencies will be brought “under one umbrella” to eliminate coordination failures that have historically hindered major investigations. The Directorate will integrate:
- The Drug Squad (YKAN): Leveraging its extensive experience in surveillance and its connection to narcotics financing.
- The Intelligence Analysis Service: Serving as a centralised hub for evaluating data and identifying criminal patterns.
- Specialised Operational Support: Tactical members from the Emergency Response Unit (MMAD) will assist in high-stakes missions requiring military-grade training.
Legislative Challenges Ahead
The establishment of the Directorate faces a significant legislative hurdle: the absence of a functional legal framework for telephone interceptions. Previous laws were deemed unworkable, prompting the Ministry of Justice to expedite new, supplementary legislation to address these issues.
Authorities consider the ability to monitor telecommunications as “non-negotiable” for the unit’s success. A new law that came into effect on 11 November has already lifted the anonymity of prepaid mobile cards, enhancing the ability to trace communications. However, officials caution that criminal elements are likely to pursue alternative, encrypted methods of communication to evade detection.
Preparing for Operational Launch
Currently, efforts are underway to identify a high-security headquarters for the new unit. The Chief of Police, in consultation with political leadership, will select a director to lead this “FBI-style” force. One of the unit’s strategic advantages will be its “invisible” operations, allowing it to work discreetly while gathering intelligence.
The Law Office plays a crucial role in finalising the legal vetting of the interception bill before the Directorate becomes operational in January.
The anticipation surrounding the new Anti-Organised Crime Directorate reflects a commitment to addressing serious crime effectively, with the hope that a more integrated approach will lead to significant improvements in public safety.
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