Christodoulides says ‘Cypriot FBI’ will change approach to serious crime

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that the new directorate for combating organised crime, dubbed the “Cypriot FBI”, will dramatically change how the state tackles serious crime. The directorate begins full operations on Monday under Christos Andreou.

Unified command and international cooperation

In a recorded message, Christodoulides said the directorate is modelled on bodies such as Europol and the FBI. He described it as part of the government’s effort to build “a state that moves proactively, protects and responds”.

He said the organisation will bring the police’s main operational capabilities under one command and strengthen cooperation with European and international police.

Its primary focus will be dismantling entire criminal networks and their finances rather than pursuing individual offenders.

Four sub-directorates

The directorate has four sub-directorates covering intelligence and special operations, narcotics, organised crime investigations, and strategic analysis and international relations.

Police say it has been operating in practice for several months and that at least four of its cases are before the courts.

Telephone interception and proposed legal changes

Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis has previously said police still lack a key investigative tool because Cyprus has no law allowing telephone interception. He described this as “a weak point” in investigations.

He said interception would require a court order approved by the attorney-general, with independent oversight.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has proposed a constitutional amendment to Article 17 to widen access to communications data in serious crime cases.