Cyprus’s newly established organised crime unit has made its first arrests, detaining a 50-year-old woman in Limassol whom investigators allege is a cousin of a fugitive wanted by Greek authorities and believed to be living in Dubai.
The woman appeared before Nicosia District Court on Friday and was remanded for seven days. A second suspect appeared alongside her. Separately, a 45-year-old special police constable arrested in the same operation — and since suspended from duty — appeared before another court and was remanded for eight days.
The operation was carried out jointly by police and the Sub-Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, a unit established to tackle organised crime, and was kept secret until the arrests were made.
The fugitive and the alleged network
Investigators allege the woman received large sums of money from associates of the fugitive. Some funds were sent via money transfer applications; other amounts were allegedly carried personally to Dubai or handed to associates in Greece. Photos of the woman, family members and the fugitive were allegedly found at her home, according to information passed to Cyprus Police by Greek authorities.
Greek authorities allege the fugitive leads an international criminal organisation with operations extending to Cyprus. European and international arrest warrants have been outstanding against him since 2024 and 2025 for theft, fraud, cigarette smuggling and participation in a criminal organisation. Cyprus Police added him to their wanted persons list in May 2024.
Greek authorities describe him as a senior figure whose alleged activities include drug trafficking, cigarette smuggling, extortion, money laundering and contract killings.
Cyprus connections
The alleged organisation maintained links to networks in Cyprus involved in extorting businesspeople, running protection rackets targeting nightclubs and companies, and drug trafficking, according to investigators’ assessment of available information.
Those networks allegedly used threats, arson, shootings and intimidation against businesses and individuals who refused to pay protection money. Complainants in several related cases refused to name those who threatened them in writing, citing fears for their own safety and that of their families.
Criminal activity in Limassol in recent months is also alleged to be linked to individuals connected to the organisation.
Finances under scrutiny
Though both suspects are low-income earners on paper, their bank accounts recorded credits of more than €480,000 between 2020 and 2026, investigators said. Social insurance records indicate the declared incomes of the 50-year-old woman and her 49-year-old husband do not account for the assets and transactions identified. Account analysis revealed significant movements through Revolut and the purchase of high-value vehicles.
Both suspects declined to answer investigators’ questions in writing, saying they would speak in court.
Investigation ongoing
Police said the investigation was at an advanced stage. Twenty-nine statements have been taken and five searches conducted. A number of exhibits are to be sent for forensic examination and further analysis.