Fifteen rounded up in Nicosia late night sweep

Immigration police conducted multiple raids in Nicosia on Thursday night, detaining over a dozen foreign nationals in the city and suburbs.

According to police, officers from multiple units including members on the anti-trafficking team carried out six search warrants and rounded up 15 foreign nationals. The suspects were detained and taken to the Office of Combating Trafficking in Human Beings.

Two people were arrested during the operation on conspiracy charges. Five others were taken to a safe house after officers noticed signs that the individuals could possibly be victims of human trafficking, according to a police press report.

Police told Knews the raids were conducted in multiple locations but did not clarify whether cops targeted business establishments or residences or a combination of joints. Information on nationality, gender, and age of the people involved was also not immediately available.

The operation was described as part of a larger EU-wide effort to combat human trafficking.

“The operation was part of a Europol action week against human trafficking and labour exploitation,” police said.