Newsroom
Authorities in Cyprus have intervened to protect 26 foreign workers believed to be victims of labour exploitation, after an investigation by the Police Office for Combating Trafficking in Persons began to expose the conditions they were allegedly facing.
The case first came to light in February when information was passed to the specialised police unit. Working alongside the Labour Inspection Department, officers moved quickly to secure the individuals and provide them with protection while inquiries continue.
According to Chief Inspector Eleni Michael, who heads the anti-trafficking office and spoke on the Kathimerini Cyprus podcast "Uncut", investigations of this nature present serious practical challenges. One of the most demanding stages is recording witness statements, as each victim must be interviewed with the help of interpreters in their native language. Although this process slows the investigation, it is considered essential for accurately documenting what occurred.
Investigators are focusing in part on whether the workers were misled and on the broader circumstances that may have left them effectively trapped in their employment, without a realistic way to leave. Authorities are still gathering testimony and other evidence, and the case remains in its early phase.
