Filenews 16 May 2021 - by Michalis Hatzivasilis
The recent murder in Larnaca alarmed the police, since it attributes it to organized crime. Police Chief Stelios Papatheodorou in an interview with "F" outlines the situation with the factions that although their action is limited compared to other countries, it nevertheless concerns drug trafficking and trafficking, intimidation and sale of protection and money laundering. Mr Papatheodorou says the drug market is one of the most dynamic crime markets, and stresses that the pandemic has caused long-term effects on the drug phenomenon that cannot yet be assessed. It refers to corruption within the Police and the small number of cases examined. He admits there were gaps in proceedings following the disappearances of women behind the serial killer.
- Recently a murder was committed in Larnaca attributed to organised crime. What is the situation today with organised crime?
- As regards the latest murder case in Larnaca, the investigations extend to the activities of organised crime. Organised crime, however, in Cyprus, compared to European and international data, is at lower levels. Criminal groups active in various categories of transnational organised crime are limited and mainly focus their actions on offences relating to drug trafficking and trafficking, offences against property, intimidation and sale of protection, money laundering and less on offences against property and trafficking in persons.
In order to bring it into line with relevant European and international legislation and despite the low level of organised crime in Cyprus, the Police undertake all necessary preventive and repressive measures at national, European and international level. Regular and targeted checks and operations are carried out in the operational field in order to monitor and subsequently investigate incidents involving organised crime groups.
Among other things, specialized sub-directorates have been set up at the Police Headquarters, such as the Financial Crime Investigation Sub-Directorate, the Electronic Crime Sub-Directorate and the Information Analysis Management Service staffed by specialized personnel, such as criminologists, accountants and experienced investigators. Furthermore, there is control of the movements of members of organised criminal groups and investigations and interrogations are carried out on a regular basis in relation to their activities.
At the same time, we are further expanding our cooperation with EU Member States, neighbouring countries, third countries and other international organisations (Interpol, Europol, FBI) in the fight against serious transnational organised crime. At national level, the Cypriot Police cooperate closely with other law enforcement authorities (Customs and MOKAS). In addition, cooperation exists with other governmental and non-governmental organisations.
- The problem with drugs in our country seems to be huge when we judge by the quantities found in the last 2-3 years. Where do you think this is due and what is needed to improve the situation?
- First of all, it should be noted that the drug phenomenon is one of the most important threats to our society at large. The phenomenon is characterized as multidimensional and complex, since it constantly changes character in terms of its management and manifestation on the part of criminals. Also, the drug market is one of the most dynamic crime markets. The human and social costs to public health and safety are enormous. It is a fact that in recent years in our country large quantities have been seized by the Cyprus Police and this is also the result of our action, since its effective treatment by the Police is within our strategic objectives. However, it should be noted that despite the picture presented at national level, Cyprus remains at a low level compared to other Member States of the European Union. This labelling is referred to as a measure of comparison and not for complacency.
It is important to mention that in 2020 and continuing into 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic has had long-term effects on the drug phenomenon that cannot yet be estimated. In the short term there is a decrease in the cases of persons involved compared to 2019 and 2020.
However, analysing the data, both qualitatively and quantitatively, we report that in 2020 a large number of kilos of cannabis were seized and people involved in drug trafficking/importation, who were members of criminal groups and were long-term targets of the Police, were arrested. The Cyprus Police's effort focuses on increasing the arrests of drug traffickers and seizing large quantities in order to deal more effectively with this problem. This requires synergies and cooperation with other relevant national and international agencies.
