Cop impersonator loses stripes

A former deviant cop who has been impersonating a senior police officer for decades is off the hook, after he was fined for minor offences and got his uniform back with the stripes removed.

Alexandros Theodoulou, who had served as police officer for five years in the 1970’s but was disciplined due to his devianty behaviour, was the same man who was known to represent Cyprus Police at the International Police Association (IPA). 

Even during the recent probe, where investigators were examining allegations that he was impersonating a senior officer, Theodoulou was seen giving lectures in Limassol on neighbourhood watch and with the then-chief of police in the audience.

Following a car search, police found a novelty pistol, six cartridges with fully-useable ammunition, a pair of handcuffs, a wooden police rod, and a folding metal rod.

According to a confidential report, Theodoulou also had in his possession a number of documents regarding transfers of police officers. He reportedly told investigators that he had contacts with various people and he would help police from time to time with transferring personnel matters.

The same report also indicates that the impersonator officer had close ties with a former deputy chief.

Theodoulou is currently suing daily Politis, alleging that the newspaper had violated his privacy and made ridicule of his situation. The lawsuit will play out in a court of law in September.