Nicosia, Cyprus. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said the suspension of operating licences held by businesses linked to criminal activity was a key tool in the state’s response to organised crime. He was speaking after the non-renewal of BookieCo’s betting licence.
Minister’s comments
Speaking on Alpha television on Thursday, Fitiris said he was not aware of the specific reasoning behind the national betting authority’s decision not to renew BookieCo’s licence, owned by Larnaca businessman Lazaros Phillipou. He said it was “very likely” connected to recent developments surrounding the company’s owner.
Fitiris said the case highlighted a broader shift in strategy, adding that legitimate businesses could also face suspension where the state has the ability to do so. “This is also a way to hit organised crime,” he said.
Betting authority decision
The comments followed confirmation by the national betting authority on Wednesday that the operating licence for Bookieco Betting Stores Ltd expired and would not be renewed.
As of this week, the company is prohibited from offering betting services through its network of authorised agents. The decision effectively shuts down the company’s domestic operations.
Context
The development marks an escalation in the state’s response to a wave of underworld violence in Larnaca. While the authority did not explicitly link the refusal to ongoing criminal investigations, the timing coincides with the arrest and remand of a Phillipou connected to the BookieCo brand.
What impact do you think the non-renewal of BookieCo’s licence will have on efforts against organised crime?
