Newsroom
In a wide-ranging interview by Kathimerini's Andreas Kimitris, that at times read like a warning shot to the underworld, Cyprus’ justice minister says authorities know exactly who the country’s crime bosses are, and they’re closing in.
“We know who they are, we’re applying constant pressure, and we’re waiting,” Fytiris said, describing what he called a “battle of the rule of law against organized crime.”
Target: the bosses, not just the foot soldiers
Fytiris said police already have detailed intelligence on criminal factions operating across all districts of Cyprus, but arrests require hard proof, either catching suspects in the act or securing testimony and evidence that can stand in court.
The strategy now focuses on dismantling networks from the top down.
“These leaders protect themselves,” he said. “They use others to do the dirty work, so they stay out of reach.”
Some are Cypriot, he added, while others operate from abroad in joint operations with locals. “The head may be overseas, the neck in Cyprus, and the hands small-time operatives carrying out orders.”
The “follow the money” task force already at work
At the center of the government’s plan is a special inter-agency unit combining police and state financial investigators. Its mission: track suspicious wealth and seize assets that can’t be justified by legal income.
The unit, which reports operationally to the police chief, has already been strengthened and rotates personnel depending on each investigation’s needs.
Fytiris cited recent cases in Paphos where suspects receiving welfare benefits were found holding unexplained cash, as well as unemployed individuals driving luxury cars. In such cases, assets can be confiscated under a European legal framework he said is already being applied effectively.
Organized crime’s reach inside the state
The minister warned that criminal networks actively try to infiltrate key public services, naming land registry, urban planning, prisons, and tax departments as potential targets because access to sensitive data can facilitate illegal activity.
Still, he defended the police as “society’s protective fortress,” stressing that isolated corruption cases do not reflect the force as a whole.
A “Cyprus FBI” launching soon
A new central crime-fighting service, informally dubbed a Cypriot FBI, is expected to begin operating in March. The unit will gather intelligence, conduct lawful surveillance if parliament approves pending legislation, coordinate rapid operations, and work with international partners. A building has already been secured.
New prison complex planned
Fytiris said a new prison facility will be built on state land between Nicosia and Larnaca to improve security, modernize corrections policy, and help reduce crime. He has personally visited existing prisons five times since taking office, noting past dysfunction in coordination between prison authorities and police that courts confirmed had allowed facilities to be used to coordinate criminal acts.
Transfer of convicted offender to Israel
Addressing a separate case, the minister said the transfer of convicted offender Simon Aikut to serve the rest of his sentence in Israel follows a binding international agreement. Israel formally accepted the sentence imposed by Cypriot courts, making the transfer obligatory, he said.
Cyprus has also received written assurances from Israeli authorities that the remainder of the sentence will be served.
Social media allegations and arrest warrants
Fytiris also commented on claims by social-media figure Ioanna Fotiou, known online as Annie Alexoui, who says she holds evidence related to serious allegations. He said the justice minister cannot collect evidence via social media and that authorities must follow formal legal channels capable of standing up in court.
Thirteen arrest warrants are pending against her, he added, and a solution must be found so she can present whatever evidence she claims to have. Officials are reviewing options, including international legal cooperation, but he declined to give details.
Authorities have no official information, he said, about why she was granted asylum in Russia.
Police union dispute sparks tension
The minister also addressed a dispute involving union leader Nikos Loizidis. Fytiris denied inflammatory claims attributed to him and criticized Loizidis’ public rhetoric, saying repeated sarcastic attacks on the police chief, justice minister, and president risk destabilizing the force.
He said disciplinary matters now fall to the police chief and that union activity is legitimate only when conducted with respect for institutions.
Bottom line
Pressed on whether politicians could be linked to criminal networks, Fytiris refused to speculate without proof, but acknowledged that, since politicians are part of society, “everything is possible.”
For now, his message to crime groups was blunt: the state is watching their money, mapping their networks and waiting for the moment evidence catches up with them.
