Three arrested in Limassol organised crime operation including a police officer
On May 14, authorities in Cyprus conducted two operations in Limassol targeting organised crime, resulting in three arrests. The suspects include a 45-year-old police officer and a couple aged 49 and 50. The officer is under investigation for money laundering, and authorities froze over €220,000 in his assets, including a luxury vehicle. The other two suspects are being investigated for participation in a criminal organisation and money laundering, with more than €200,000 in assets and four luxury vehicles seized. The operations followed long-term intelligence analysis and are reportedly the first major actions of the newly formed independent anti-organised crime unit. Some media reports suggest the detained officer is linked to a previous assault on a mobile traffic camera operator, though this is secondary to the current financial investigation. The Ministry of Justice commended the police for their professionalism in the operation. Investigations remain ongoing as the case prepares to appear before a court.