Cyprus forestry department contracts linked to Spanish 'fire cartel' scandal

A criminal investigation in Cyprus is currently examining contracts worth over €32 million awarded by the Department of Forests to the company Titan Firefighting Company S.L. Formerly known as Avialsa, this firm was identified as a key player in the 'Cartel del Fuego' scandal, which led to convictions by Spain's National Court in February 2025 for rigging aerial firefighting tenders. Evidence shows that Titan and Avialsa share the same VAT number, confirming they are the same entity. A current Department of Forests official is the primary suspect in the ongoing police investigation, which began in 2024 following an internal inquiry ordered by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. Records indicate that a local company linked to the suspect's mother acted as a representative for the Spanish firm in Cyprus between 2012 and 2024. Furthermore, the official reportedly provided expert input on a 2024 contract for four aircraft, valued at €25 million, which runs until 2026 with an option to extend until 2028. Police reportedly found the official present at the offices of the local intermediary during the course of their investigation.