Crime statistics report for Cyprus during the first half of 2026

Official police data from Cyprus indicates a slight decline in serious crime during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Authorities recorded nearly 3,000 cases in total, maintaining an overall clearance rate of approximately 80%. A notable trend is the significant reduction in murders, with only two cases reported during this period compared to thirteen throughout 2025. Attempted murders also show a decrease, with 11 incidents recorded versus 26 in the previous year. Similarly, reports of rapes, robberies, and extortion remain close to the figures observed in 2025.

Despite the reduction in violent crime, financial fraud and cyber-related scams remain a major concern for law enforcement, as these offenses continue to escalate rapidly. Organized criminal activity persists across the island, showing increased intensity in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, while Nicosia has seen a relative decline in factional activities. Law enforcement continues to face significant challenges in solving cases related to arson and property destruction involving explosives, which currently hold the lowest clearance rates. Investigations remain ongoing for all reported incidents, with the police prioritizing the fight against the surge in sophisticated economic crimes that facilitate large-scale financial theft.