Cyprus police dismantle human smuggling network

Cypriot authorities recently conducted a series of operations resulting in the arrest of a suspected ringleader of an organized human smuggling network. In a separate related investigation that began on April 24, 2026, four individuals were arrested for conspiring to facilitate the illegal entry of a 35-year-old foreign national who used a forged entry permit. The 35-year-old was identified as a prohibited migrant via Interpol databases. Evidence revealed he had paid 6,000 euros to a 51-year-old and a 41-year-old, with the mediation of a 40-year-old, for the forged documents. Beyond these arrests, the Ministry of Justice reported operational data for April 29-30, 2026, showing 9 arrests, 17 total deportations, and 54 voluntary departures. Further scheduled returns for the period of April 30 to May 4, 2026, include 13 deportations and 32 voluntary departures. The Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department continues to manage the case involving the forged permit network.