Newsroom
A fiery series of attacks on official vehicles has sparked explosive claims of corruption inside Cyprus’ wildlife enforcement system, and the accusations are coming from the very people tasked with protecting it.
The union representing hourly game wardens, “Isotita,” says it has strong reason to believe criminals and illegal hunters are acting “without fear or hesitation” because they’re allegedly getting inside information from corrupt individuals within the Game and Fauna Service.
The statement follows recent arson incidents involving two service vehicles parked at a unit base in Evrichou and another vehicle belonging to a game warden in Paphos last week. No injuries were reported, but the message, wardens say, was loud and clear.
“They’re not burning metal,” the union said. “They’re burning the shield that protects Cyprus’ nature.”
The group is urging anyone with information about the attacks to come forward, even anonymously, and is calling on the Cyprus Police to identify those responsible. But it didn’t stop there. The union also challenged the head of the service directly, insisting leadership must confront what it describes as internal corruption if the attacks are to stop.
In unusually blunt language, the statement said it expects to see concrete action against organized crime, not silence behind closed doors.
At the same time, the union sought to reassure wardens on the front lines, saying it will continue pushing for their safety and dignity as they carry out their duties, often in isolated areas and under tense conditions.
The incidents have raised uncomfortable questions: Are these attacks simply retaliation by poachers, or signs of deeper cracks inside the system meant to stop them? Either way, pressure is mounting for answers and fast.
