Cyprus police launches new organized crime directorate

On October 7, 2026, the Cyprus Police officially presented the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE), a specialized unit modeled after the Greek FBI. Led by Christos Andreou, the directorate aims to dismantle entire criminal networks rather than focusing on individual offenders, utilizing intelligence, financial investigations, and international cooperation. The unit is scheduled to enter full operational status on October 12, 2026.

While the agency has been active since May 2026, conducting early operations including arrests and the seizure of funds, it is currently awaiting permanent office space. The 2027 state budget includes an allocation of approximately €4.84 million for the purchase of a building in the Acropolis area of Nicosia. The directorate is structured into four sub-directorates covering intelligence, narcotics, investigation of organized crime, and strategic analysis.

Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis highlighted that the DAOE represents a significant reform in operational capability. However, he noted a critical weakness in current law enforcement: the lack of legislation allowing for telecommunications interception, which remains a key tool the police are currently unable to utilize legally. The agency continues to rely on cooperation with Europol and other foreign counterparts to compensate for legislative gaps.