Limassol cop accused of sexually abusing minor

A male police officer and his wife have been arrested in Limassol following a complaint alleging sexual abuse of a young girl.

According to local media, a man described as a police officer in Limassol was arrested by law enforcement agents on Wednesday, following a complaint filed with local authorities.

An official report about the arrest has not been issued while police told Knews they could not comment on the arrests or the case, citing privacy protocols involving a minor.

Local media said it has been alleged that an underage girl was sexually abused by the male suspect, while the officer’s wife was also detained on charges related to the case. The relationship between the suspects and the child was not immediately clear.

The suspected police officer was placed on administrative leave with pay on direct orders from Police Chief Stylianos Papatheodorou, while the duration of his initial suspension was not specified.

A suspended officer in the Republic of Cyprus, who has been ordered to be absent from work, typically involves reduced salary with job benefits, but certain conditions may vary depending on the situation.

Police were reportedly investigating the allegations while local media said the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Office was also involved.

The special office, under the Crime Combating Department of the Cyprus Police, deals with prevention, repression and handling of domestic violence and child abuse.