MVP

Tag: police

  • Police to Establish Anti-Organised Crime Directorate Modelled on FBI

    Police to Establish Anti-Organised Crime Directorate Modelled on FBI

    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.

  • Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General’s letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    • A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General's letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    This request comes two decades after the tragic discovery of the 26-year-old soldier’s body beneath the Alassa bridge, an incident shrouded in controversy, with Nicolaou’s family long contending that the initial ruling of suicide was a facade for murder.

    The defendant, Christakis Kapiliotis, was the head of Lania Police Station at the time of Nicolaou’s death in September 2005. Through his lawyer, Andriana Klaedes, he has argued to the Attorney-General (AG) that the duration since the incident is excessively long for private criminal prosecutions to be initiated.

    In his correspondence to the AG, Kapiliotis pointed to the AG’s Law Office’s prior assessment of the evidence. He attached a letter from Assistant AG Savvas Angelides, dated 11 June 2025, which had previously dismissed a request from the Nicolaou family’s lawyer, Nikos Clerides, to pursue state prosecutions based on the Pappas-Athanasiou report. Angelides indicated that there was not enough evidence to support a charge of deliberate neglect of duty.

    Furthermore, the letter addressed medical examiner Panikos Stavrianos, who is also a defendant in the private case. Angelides clarified that there was no proof that Stavrianos had any knowledge of a murder or intent to conceal the identity of potential perpetrators.

    It is anticipated that the other defendants, including Stavrianos, former Limassol Police Director Andreas Iatropoulos, former Limassol CID head Nicos Sophocleous, and former Rural Police head Christakis Nathanael, will submit similar letters to the AG.

    In response to Kapiliotis’s request, the AG has sought the position of the Nicolaou family lawyers, who are expected to oppose the suspension and advocate for the continuation of the prosecution towards a conclusive court ruling. This follows the AG’s earlier announcement that he would not halt private prosecutions if the family chose to move forward, especially after the release of the Matsas-Alexopoulos report.

    All five defendants made their initial court appearance on 9 December, during which a preliminary objection regarding a conflict of interest was raised. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 22 January 2026.

  • Limassol-nicosia motorway — Three-Vehicle Collision Disrupts Traffic on Limassol-Nicosia Motorway

    Limassol-nicosia motorway — Three-Vehicle Collision Disrupts Traffic on Limassol-Nicosia Motorway

    limassol-nicosia motorway — A traffic collision involving three vehicles has closed the left lane of the Limassol-Nicosia motorway at Kornos. The incident occurred moments ago and has caused a noticeable increase in congestion in the area.

    • Drivers are reminded to adhere closely to instructions from police on-site as they navigate the affected area.
    • This incident unfolds amid a yellow warning for heavy rain due to Storm Byron, which is impacting various regions across the country.

    Heavy rainfall is currently affecting the region, which has likely contributed to the hazardous conditions on the road. As vehicles slow down to navigate the scene, police officers have arrived to assist and manage traffic flow.

    All traffic is being redirected through the right lane as emergency services work to clear the accident. Authorities are urging drivers to adjust their speed and maintain safe distances from other vehicles to ensure safety.

    Drivers are reminded to adhere closely to instructions from police on-site as they navigate the affected area.

    This incident unfolds amid a yellow warning for heavy rain due to Storm Byron, which is impacting various regions across the country.

  • Arrest Made in Theft of Holy Relic from Nicosia Church

    Arrest Made in Theft of Holy Relic from Nicosia Church

    A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a holy relic from a church in the Nicosia district village of Pano Deftera.

    • A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a holy relic from a church in the Nicosia district village of Pano Deftera.

    The police reported that the suspect was taken into custody on Friday evening, following a theft that was reported on November 29. The timely intervention by local authorities has brought attention to the seriousness of such offences, especially involving items of religious significance.

    Upon her arrest, the woman was presented in court on Saturday, where she was remanded in custody for six days. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by places of worship in safeguarding their treasured artefacts.

    The theft of religious items not only affects the immediate community but also raises concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage. Local residents have expressed their shock at the incident, emphasising the importance of protecting their local church and its sacred relics.

    The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft, aiming to gather more information that could lead to further developments in the case. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution.

  • Limassol Derby Triggers High Security and Four Arrests

    Limassol Derby Triggers High Security and Four Arrests

    limassol derby — limassol derby — Limassol is under increased security surveillance as the derby between AEL and Apollon unfolds at the Alpha Mega Stadium. Police have deemed the match as “particularly difficult” and “high-risk” due to violent clashes that erupted shortly after midnight on Thursday outside an Apollon club in central Limassol.

    In light of the recent disturbances, over 300 police officers have been deployed to various strategic locations around the city to maintain order and ensure the event runs smoothly. An extensive operational plan is fully active, focusing on preventing any further incidents during the high-stakes match.

    Security measures have been notably stringent, with authorities conducting thorough checks at the stadium entrances from early afternoon. This heightened vigilance reflects the seriousness of the situation, as fans from both sides gather to show support for their teams.

    As the match commenced, police reported four arrests related to the pre-match unrest. One individual was detained for throwing a flare at officers during a march of Apollon fans towards the stadium. Another arrest was made for possessing a small amount of drugs during the entry checks. The remaining two arrests involved public insults and resisting arrest.

    Following the violent incidents outside the Apollon clubhouse, police had requested that the match be held behind closed doors to mitigate risks. However, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) rejected this proposal, allowing the derby to proceed as planned.

    The atmosphere surrounding the game remains tense, with police on high alert to respond swiftly to any signs of trouble. Fans from both sides are hopeful that the clash will proceed without further incidents, eager to witness a thrilling match.

  • Two Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Triple Burglary

    Two Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Triple Burglary

    triple burglary — triple burglary — Two individuals are now in custody following their alleged involvement in a series of burglaries in Nicosia. A 44-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman were remanded in police custody for five days on Friday as part of ongoing investigations.

    • Both individuals are expected to face further questioning as detectives continue their work to uncover the full extent of the crimes committed.

    The arrests were made after police executed court warrants related to three separate cases of burglary and theft that occurred between November 4 and November 20. These incidents have raised concerns in the local community, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

    According to police reports, the 44-year-old man is suspected of selling various pieces of jewellery to a gold shop in Nicosia just days before the arrests. On November 20, he allegedly sold these items without the necessary certificates, which has drawn further scrutiny to the transactions made at the shop.

    The woman, who is employed at the gold shop, is also facing charges linked to her role in this transaction. While police have gathered evidence against the man, investigations into the broader case are still ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to piece together all the details surrounding these burglaries.

    As the investigation unfolds, police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their inquiries. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in addressing crime.

    Both individuals are expected to face further questioning as detectives continue their work to uncover the full extent of the crimes committed.

  • Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    limassol car — limassol car — The police are currently searching for a man who set a car on fire parked outside a kiosk in Limassol. This alarming incident occurred shortly after midnight, with emergency services notified around 12.45am.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire was maliciously started using flammable material. At the time of the attack, the car’s owner was inside the kiosk, completely unaware of the unfolding drama outside.

    A passing motorist, equipped with a fire extinguisher, managed to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle has suffered extensive damage. The incident was captured on the kiosk’s CCTV cameras, and investigators are reviewing this footage as part of their inquiries.

    According to police sources, the motive behind this act of arson appears to stem from personal differences between the car’s owner and the suspected arsonist. However, authorities have stated that they are keeping an open mind and have not ruled out other possible motives.

  • Man Discovered Dead in Nicosia Residence

    Man Discovered Dead in Nicosia Residence

    nicosia — A man was found dead in a house in Nicosia on Thursday, according to local authorities. The tragic discovery was made around 2.30pm in the Engomi area, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death.

    Police reported that the man’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting that he may have been deceased for some time before being discovered. The exact cause of death is under investigation, with officers working to gather further details.

    As the investigation unfolds, local residents are left in shock, grappling with the suddenness of the incident. Neighbours have expressed their bewilderment, noting that they had not seen the man for several days. The police presence in the area has heightened, as officials seek to piece together the timeline leading up to the discovery.

    This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and wellbeing within the community. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to uncovering the truth behind this unfortunate event.

  • Car Fire Disrupts Traffic on Nicosia-Limassol Motorway

    Car Fire Disrupts Traffic on Nicosia-Limassol Motorway

    car fire — A car fire on the Nicosia-Limassol motorway has caused significant traffic disruptions near the Kornos exit. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, resulting in thick smoke billowing across the road.

    The police have issued a warning to drivers in the area, advising them to exercise caution, maintain a slow speed, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any accidents as emergency services respond to the situation.

    Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries stemming from the incident, which has left many commuters facing delays. The scene remains busy as traffic is diverted and local authorities work to clear the area.

    Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes if possible, as the fire has created a backlog of vehicles and extended travel times. Updates regarding the situation are expected as firefighters continue to manage the blaze and ensure the safety of all road users.

  • Demosthenous murder — Nicosia Man Arrested in Connection with Demosthenous Murder

    Demosthenous murder — Nicosia Man Arrested in Connection with Demosthenous Murder

    demosthenous murder — demosthenous murder — Police arrested a 45-year-old man from Nicosia on Saturday in connection with the murder of Stavros Demosthenous in Limassol. The arrest followed the discovery of a motorcycle, believed to have been used by the perpetrators to flee the scene of the crime.

    The suspect is the registered owner of the large-capacity dark-coloured scooter located earlier that day. Authorities plan to transfer the vehicle to Limassol Police Headquarters for further examination and questioning.

    Investigators suspect that another vehicle aided the suspects’ escape after they set fire to the van used during the murder. Senior members of the police force are present at Limassol CID headquarters as they intensify their investigations.

    An autopsy conducted on Demosthenous’s body at Nicosia General Hospital revealed that he suffered severe craniocerebral trauma caused by at least two bullets to the head. This gruesome finding, detailed by forensic pathologist Nikolas Charalambous, points to the violent nature of the attack.

    Evidence suggests that the shooter was skilled, as Demosthenous’s vehicle bore approximately ten bullet holes from an automatic weapon. The police are collecting witness statements and examining various pieces of evidence, including visual footage from the vicinity.

    The investigation continues to unfold as authorities piece together the events surrounding the murder. The community is left grappling with the shock of such a violent incident, while police work diligently to unravel the details and ensure justice is served.