the new unit will deal with organized crime, drugs, and the money of criminal groups.

Today, October 7, the Cyprus Police officially presents the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (ΔΑΟΕ). The new unit is already being called the “Cypriot FBI” — it has been created to investigate the most serious and complex crimes.

Its main task is not only to detain members of criminal groups, but also to deprive them of their financial base: to trace illegally obtained money and property and to seek their freezing and confiscation.

Although the directorate is being officially launched only now, its officers have already taken part in several major operations. Among them are a case in Limassol involving the arrest of three people, including a police officer, and the freezing of €420,000; an investigation into a network distributing so-called “pink cocaine”; and a case concerning the alleged preparation of the murder of two twin brothers from Denmark.

The “Cypriot FBI” will include a drug enforcement unit, an intelligence analysis service, and investigators of various specializations. In total, more than 150 officers are expected to work there.

For the new service, the state plans to acquire a separate building on Iphigenia Avenue. For now, the units will continue to operate from different locations.

@cyprus_kipr