Justice Minister Costas Fytiris on Monday announced a strategy to dismantle organised crime syndicates through the seizure of unexplained wealth and the construction of a high-tech correctional facility.
During a press conference marking his first 65 days in office, Fytiris detailed plans to transpose EU directives allowing the Republic to freeze and confiscate assets that cannot be legally justified by their owners—a move designed to bankrupt criminal networks from the inside.
The Minister also confirmed the development of a new Central Prison complex on 500,000 square metres of state land in central Cyprus, capable of housing 1,250 inmates. This facility, located outside urban centres, is intended to replace the current ageing infrastructure and provide a modernised pathway for rehabilitation.
The strategic overhaul includes the establishment of an independent Coast Guard, separate from the Police, to secure coastal infrastructure against terrorism and maritime smuggling. Fytiris said that “technological means of today may be obsolete by tomorrow,” necessitating a continuous modernisation of the Police and Fire Service, the latter of which will receive an expanded fleet of drones for wildfire management. These measures are being expedited to ensure the smooth operation of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in 2026.
Addressing high-profile controversies, Fytiris touched upon the allegations made by social media figure Annie Alexui and the ongoing criminal cases involving Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos and Lefkoniko Mayor Pieris Gypsiotis. The Minister stressed that while the state is determined to crack down on corruption, authorities require “formal complaints and documented evidence” rather than public hearsay to secure arrests. He noted that the files for the two mayors are currently being evaluated by the Law Office to determine if the charges can stand in court. Fytiris also dismissed claims of threats made by Nikos Loizides, head of the ISOTITA union, suggesting that the officer would be better utilised on the “front line” rather than at Police Headquarters.
The five-year plan for the new prison is aimed at reducing recidivism and addressing the chronic overcrowding that has plagued the current Nicosia facility. Staffing for the new correctional structure is already underway, with the government seeking both administrative leadership and specialised guards. Fytiris concluded the briefing by framing “security” as the fundamental prerequisite for national freedom, asserting that the Republic must be prepared for evolving threats to critical infrastructure, particularly those originating at sea.
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