On July 22, 2026, the Cyprus Police conducted a nationwide operation targeting metal recycling and trading facilities to combat the illegal trade of materials, including recent thefts of monuments and infrastructure components. Authorities inspected approximately 20 premises across the country, with significant activity reported in Paphos and the Famagusta region.

In Paphos, 150 kilograms of cables exclusively used by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) were seized from two properties. The owners, both Syrian residents of Paphos, were arrested, charged in writing, and released pending court summons. Nationwide, police discovered over 1,000 kilograms of EAC-owned cables. The operations involved multiple state agencies, including the Department of Environment and the Labor Inspection Service.

Legal consequences were issued for various violations. Three premises were reported for operating without required trading or waste management permits. Additionally, authorities identified cases of illegal employment, resulting in administrative fines of €4,000 imposed on employers. One individual was arrested for residing in the country illegally. Investigations remain ongoing to determine the source of the stolen cables and potential links to broader criminal networks.