Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has been formally informed of the arrest in Dubai of alleged organised crime figure Edik, who is also wanted by Cypriot police. Authorities are seeking clarification on which international warrant led to his detention and how it could affect the island’s investigation.
Cypriot investigation
Police in Cyprus had previously obtained an arrest warrant for Edik in connection with investigations on the island.
The warrant followed a major police operation in Limassol on May 14, during which a police officer and two expatriates were arrested and assets valued at about €500,000 were seized.
During initial court proceedings in that case, investigators alleged the operation was linked to a person wanted by Greek authorities for cigarette and fuel smuggling, identifying that individual as Edik.
International warrants
According to Omega, it remains unclear whether the Dubai detention was carried out under a warrant issued by Greece, France or another jurisdiction.
Greek authorities have sought Edik in connection with alleged organised crime. French authorities have reportedly investigated him as a suspect in the attempted murder in Monaco of a Ukrainian national who holds Cypriot citizenship.
Greek media first reported the arrest earlier this week, although later reports indicated that extradition to Greece had not been secured despite the activation of an international arrest warrant.
Extradition procedures
Cyprus is expected to seek a European arrest warrant once the suspect is transferred to Greece or France and the legal basis for his detention has been clarified, Omega reported.
As Cyprus has no bilateral extradition agreement with the United Arab Emirates, cooperation is expected to continue through Interpol procedures.
Documento reported that the suspect’s legal representatives are expected to challenge any extradition request.
