Newsroom
More than 1,000 kilograms of cables believed to belong to the Cyprus Electricity Authority (AHK) were seized during coordinated police raids on scrapyards across the island in a major crackdown on the illegal scrap metal trade.
The nationwide operation saw police, alongside inspectors from the Department of Environment, the Labour Inspection Department, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AHK), and other government agencies, inspect 20 businesses involved in buying and selling scrap metal.
During the inspections, officials discovered and confiscated more than one tonne of cables, which AHK experts identified as the type used by the authority.
The discovery comes as cable theft continues to cause costly damage and power disruptions across Cyprus.
The operation also uncovered a string of other alleged offenses.
Three businesses were reported for violations, including operating without the required license to trade scrap metal and managing waste without the necessary permit.
At one premise, police arrested a person who was found to be living illegally in Cyprus. The employer was also issued a €4,000 administrative fine for employing an undeclared worker.
At another business, inspectors found a second case of illegal employment, with the employer receiving another €4,000 fine for undeclared work.
Police said investigations are continuing.
