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.
The elite unit, first announced by former Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, is designed to consolidate intelligence and operational powers currently fragmented across multiple independent services. Reporting directly to the Chief of Police, the Directorate will possess expanded authority to dismantle the financial and operational networks of the underworld.
A unified front against the underworld
In a significant structural shift, several key agencies will be brought “under one umbrella” to eliminate coordination failures that have historically hampered major investigations. According to reports, the new Directorate will integrate:
- The Drug Squad (YKAN): Leveraging its extensive experience in surveillance and the high correlation between narcotics and organised crime financing.
- The Intelligence Analysis Service: Providing a centralised hub for evaluating data and identifying criminal patterns.
- Specialised Operational Support: Elite tactical members from the Emergency Response Unit (MMAD) will be drafted to assist in high-stakes missions where military-grade training is required.
The surveillance roadblock
Despite the rapid structural planning, the unit faces a critical legislative hurdle: the lack of a functional legal framework for telephone interceptions. While previous laws were enacted, they were found to be practically unworkable, prompting the Ministry of Justice to fast-track new, supplementary legislation to resolve these technical barriers.
Authorities view the ability to monitor telecommunications as “non-negotiable” for the unit’s success. To support this effort, a new law that came into effect on 11 November has already ended the anonymity of prepaid mobile cards. However, officials acknowledge that criminal elements are likely to seek alternative, encrypted methods of communication.
Timeline and leadership
The search is currently underway for a high-security headquarters to house the unit, while the Chief of Police—in consultation with political leadership—is expected to select a director to lead the “FBI-style” force. The unit’s primary strategic advantage will be its “invisible” operation, with the Law Office playing a vital role in finalising the legal vetting of the interception bill before the Directorate’s operational launch in January.
Read more: