Cyprus is targeting gang leaders through financial investigations and asset seizures, Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fytiris said, acknowledging that crime bosses shield themselves by using others to carry out criminal activities.
“Our goal is the heads of the gangs,” Fytiris told Kathimerini in an interview. “But they know how to protect themselves, so they get others to do the dirty work, with the result that they themselves remain out of the firing line. But we know who they are, we are applying continuous pressure and we are waiting for them.”
The minister said his priority is strengthening citizens’ sense of security and the rule of law, which requires combating organised crime and all forms of criminal behaviour.
Fytiris dismissed suggestions of police cover-ups, describing the force as the “castle protecting society and democracy” that cannot have “side gates or traitors.” He said isolated corruption incidents may occur but do not reflect the overall picture of the force.
The minister noted that organised crime seeks to develop connections in state services such as the Land Registry and Tax Department, adding that the state must implement monitoring and response mechanisms for such phenomena.
A special task force has been established with police officers and relevant state departments controlling financial and asset data, following a “follow the money” methodology, Fytiris said.
The unit’s contribution to tackling organised crime and money laundering is very significant and it can seize assets if they are not justified by corresponding professional activity, he added.
The service will also have responsibility for collecting and analysing information, conducting legal surveillance once relevant legislation is passed, immediate operational response and cooperation with other services and international bodies, the minister said. It will officially begin operating in March.
Asked about the transfer of Simon Mistriel Aykut to Israel, Fytiris said the transfer will take place under a multilateral international agreement in which Cyprus participates with Israel and other states.
He noted that a critical element for approving the procedure is full acceptance of the sentence by the receiving state, stressing that Cyprus has received written confirmation from Israel’s Ministry of Justice that the convicted person will serve the remainder of his sentence.
Regarding the Annie Alexoui case, the minister said an institutionally appropriate procedure is being sought to collect evidence that she claims to possess, so that investigative procedures can be initiated for all related cases.
(information from CNA)