MVP

Tag: law enforcement

  • Cigarettes: Significant Cigarette Seizures at Checkpoints Highlight Ongoing Smuggling Issues

    Cigarettes: Significant Cigarette Seizures at Checkpoints Highlight Ongoing Smuggling Issues

    Large quantities of cigarettes were confiscated at checkpoints as authorities continue to tackle smuggling operations. Three separate incidents reported by police on Monday revealed the extent of unregulated tobacco products being transported through Ayios Dometios and Famagusta.

    Cigarettes: Multiple Incidents Uncovered

    During a routine inspection on Saturday, customs officers investigated a vehicle driven by a Greek Cypriot man known for previous smuggling activities. The search resulted in the discovery of 50 packs of 20 heated cigarettes and 750g of rolling tobacco, all of which were promptly seized.

    The man was arrested and, upon giving his written consent, officers conducted a search of his residence. This led to the seizure of an additional 28 boxes of 200 cigarettes each, two boxes of 200 heated cigarettes, and another 500g of rolling tobacco. He was subsequently fined €3,500 for the offences.

    A Day of High Seizures in Famagusta

    On the preceding day, Famagusta police stopped a vehicle driven by a 58-year-old man who was carrying a substantial amount of cigarettes. Authorities confiscated 57 boxes of 200 cigarettes, three packs of 20 cigarettes, and rolling tobacco weighing a total of 2.64kg. After agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, the driver was released, having paid a fine of €5,000.

    Checkpoint Scrutiny Leads to Arrest

    In yet another incident, a taxi driven by a Turkish Cypriot, carrying an Israeli passenger, was inspected at the Ayios Dometios checkpoint. The inspection uncovered 67 boxes of 200 cigarettes each and four packs of 20 cigarettes each. The passenger was arrested, and the seized products were taken into custody.

    Following a one-day remand order issued by the Nicosia district court, the passenger was eventually fined €8,000, with the court considering his prior involvement in other offences when determining the penalty. The seized tobacco products were destroyed as part of the settlement.

  • Larnaca Court Remands Young Man for Drink Driving Offences

    Larnaca Court Remands Young Man for Drink Driving Offences

    A 23-year-old man has been remanded for two days by the Larnaca District Court following a series of traffic-related offences, notably drink driving.

    • A 23-year-old man has been remanded for two days by the Larnaca District Court following a series of traffic-related offences, notably drink driving.
    • The incident unfolded around 2:10am on Saturday during a routine traffic stop by the local traffic unit. Officers stopped a vehicle driven by a foreign national who resides permanently in Cyprus.
    • Authorities later recovered the missing breath-testing device from a pool at the suspect's residence. The man now faces multiple charges, including causing malicious damage to police property.

    The incident unfolded around 2:10am on Saturday during a routine traffic stop by the local traffic unit. Officers stopped a vehicle driven by a foreign national who resides permanently in Cyprus.

    Upon approaching the car, police officers detected a strong smell of alcohol emanating from the driver. When requested to provide a preliminary breath sample, the young man refused, escalating the situation.

    In a startling turn of events, as one officer attempted to hold the breath-testing device up to the driver’s window, the suspect suddenly accelerated his vehicle. This reckless attempt to flee resulted in the driver striking the officer’s hand, causing the breath-testing device to fall into the car.

    Fortunately, the officer was unharmed during the incident. Following a coordinated search, police located the suspect’s vehicle at around 11am in the Oroklini area. The 23-year-old was found shortly thereafter and reportedly admitted to the various offences.

    Authorities later recovered the missing breath-testing device from a pool at the suspect’s residence. The man now faces multiple charges, including causing malicious damage to police property.

    The Larnaca District Court has ordered his remand to facilitate further investigation into these serious allegations, reflecting the legal system’s commitment to addressing drink driving and related offences.

  • Larnaca Police Target Street Racing with Seizure of 72 Vehicles

    Larnaca Police Target Street Racing with Seizure of 72 Vehicles

    Police in Larnaca are intensifying their efforts against street racing, a growing issue that has transformed Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue into a late-night race track.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • Police in Larnaca are intensifying their efforts against street racing, a growing issue that has transformed Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue into a late-night race track.

    This busy road, which connects the city to its port, has become a notorious spot for illegal racing activities, despite being equipped with more traffic cameras than any other avenue in the region. The camera system was intended to curb speeding and dangerous driving, yet it has failed to deter night-time racers and motorbike stunts.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Street racing: Ongoing Crackdown

    Since the start of 2025, the Larnaca Traffic Department has conducted eight night-time operations targeting Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue and surrounding areas. In these efforts, police have confiscated a total of 72 vehicles, with 18 of them sent to the Department of Road Transport for emergency inspections due to visible modifications.

    “Vehicles were taken to the Larnaca Traffic Police, where the prescribed procedures were followed against offending drivers, either through out-of-court settlements or criminal prosecution,” a police spokesperson stated. The department emphasised that patrols and campaigns are ongoing, aiming to reduce noise disturbances for local residents and minimise the risk of collisions.

    Evading Detection

    Many offenders have been attempting to evade detection by removing licence plates from their high-powered motorcycles and modified cars, complicating enforcement efforts. This has necessitated large-scale operations by the traffic police, who are committed to tackling the issue head-on.

    Future Measures and Community Concerns

    Despite the existing fixed speed cameras, authorities recognise that the issue persists. The Central Traffic Problems Resolution Body has been alerted to the ongoing situation, leading to approved proposals for an additional fixed camera and the elevation of two pedestrian crossings. This is aimed at slowing down vehicles and enhancing safety in the area. Mobile cameras are also deployed periodically to further address the problem.

    Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue stretches approximately two kilometres, linking major roads in Larnaca, Aradippou, and Livadia with the port area. While it experiences heavy traffic during the day, the evenings have become synonymous with reckless racing, prompting repeated complaints from residents who are affected by the noise and danger associated with these activities.

  • Money laundering — Authorities Seize €63.2 Million in Major Money Laundering Crackdown

    Money laundering — Authorities Seize €63.2 Million in Major Money Laundering Crackdown

    Authorities seized assets worth €63.2 million in 2024 as part of a significant money laundering crackdown, a remarkable increase from approximately €1 million in 2023, according to the latest data from the anti-money laundering unit.

    • Following successful prosecutions, confiscation orders transferring ownership of frozen assets to the state totalled €372,695 for domestic cases and £17,993 for foreign requests.
    • A new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) will be established to oversee the coordination of national agencies, ensuring consistent implementation of these rules.

    Money laundering: Domestic and International Efforts Yield Results

    The Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS), operating under the Attorney General’s office, played a crucial role in these operations. This year, MOKAS froze €8.5 million linked to domestic criminal investigations, while €54.7 million was restrained following requests from foreign jurisdictions.

    Targeted Actions Against Luxury Assets

    In a concerted effort to combat organised crime, authorities executed court orders resulting in the seizure of €1.91 million in cash, alongside $6,163. They also confiscated 25 properties valued at €5.075 million and 30 motor vehicles worth €430,000. Additional seizures included a boat valued at €9,500, 119 jewellery items worth approximately €1 million, and various luxury goods.

    Increased Requests Highlight Growing Collaboration

    In 2024, police requests to MOKAS surged by 36%, resulting in 129 cases, while requests from the customs department skyrocketed by 90%, reaching 38 cases. This surge reflects a growing collaboration among different law enforcement agencies.

    International Cooperation Leads to Major Asset Restraints

    Significant asset restraints were achieved through international judicial cooperation, totalling €54.7 million. Foreign court orders registered in Cyprus facilitated the seizure of €2.44 million, $4.75 million, and £1,360 in various currencies, alongside 14 properties valued at €6.63 million and six vehicles worth €660,000. Notably, authorities froze an investment portfolio worth $45 million, representing the largest single asset seizure recorded during this period.

    Permanent Confiscation of Assets

    Following successful prosecutions, confiscation orders transferring ownership of frozen assets to the state totalled €372,695 for domestic cases and £17,993 for foreign requests.

    New EU Regulations Set to Impact the Financial Landscape

    The landscape of anti-money laundering efforts is set to change further with new European Union regulations coming into effect in 2027. These regulations will extend compliance requirements to cryptocurrency providers, professional football clubs and agents, crowdfunding intermediaries, and investment migration service providers. The EU package aims to strengthen due diligence requirements, beneficial ownership regulations, and will impose a €10,000 cash payment limit across the Union territory.

    A new European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) will be established to oversee the coordination of national agencies, ensuring consistent implementation of these rules.