Cyprus Justice Minister announces new strategy to target organized crime leaders

In an interview with Kathimerini on February 15, 2026, Minister of Justice and Public Order Kostas Fytiris announced a strategic shift to target the leadership of criminal factions. He noted that while crime bosses often use intermediaries to avoid prosecution, authorities are increasing pressure and utilizing a specialized task force. This task force includes police and state financial auditors who employ a 'follow the money' methodology to track criminal assets. Fytiris also confirmed that the Cyprus 'FBI' is expected to become officially operational in March 2026 as a central pillar of the state's anti-crime efforts. The Minister identified the Land Registry, Tax Department, Prisons, and Urban Planning Department as key state services that organized crime attempts to infiltrate. Regarding police corruption, he dismissed claims of systemic issues, describing incidents as isolated cases while emphasizing the force's role as a protector of democracy.