Copyright philenews
Cyprus Justice Minister and the Chief of Police revealed detailed mapping of criminal gang operations across the island during a closed-door parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday. The officials presented lawmakers with a chart showing criminal group territories and activities without naming specific organisations or individuals. Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis told MPs that authorities have identified those involved in organised crime networks, including leadership structures and individuals with connections to separate gangs in different cities, according to information obtained by Phileleftheros. The presentation included details about a foreign criminal organisation operating in Cyprus and outlined regions where organised crime groups function, including the “armies” they maintain to execute illegal activities. Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis expressed optimism about solving the recent murder of Stavros Demosthenous in Limassol, with committee members indicating satisfaction with authorities’ ongoing efforts. “The investigations into the Demosthenous murder are on the right track. We are seeking motives,” Hartsiotis told reporters after the meeting. When asked about the daylight timing of the crime, he noted that “even the Louvre robbery occurred in the morning,” emphasising that “crime evolves and criminals don’t hesitate to act at any time to execute their plans”. The minister provided details on anti-organised crime measures implemented since April 2024, including the establishment of an Assets Investigation Branch that examines individuals whose lifestyle appears inconsistent with their declared income. Authorities have seized significant assets in recent operations, including a hotel, a house, vehicles valued at €1.1 million, ancient artefacts and a religious icon. Between January 2024 and May 2025, officials have frozen or confiscated €1.2 million in cash. Additional seizures include real estate properties worth €8.9 million, jewellery and valuables worth €1 million, vehicles valued at €1.1 million, and cryptocurrencies worth €25 million. Authorities have also frozen £1.8 million and €890,000 in overseas bank accounts related to ongoing investigations.
