The official first presentation of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE) took place today, in the context of a press conference in the presence of Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis, Chief of Police and the Director of DAOE, Police Officer B', Christos Andreou.
The Chief of Police and the Director of DAOE presented today the new Directorate and referred to its importance for the operational strengthening and modernization of the Cyprus Police.
DAOE is already in full operational operation and has already recorded significant operational results.
Substantial change in the way the Police operates
In his speech, Mr. Themistos Arnaoutis, Chief of Police, stressed that the creation of the DAOE is not a simple administrative or organizational change, but a substantial reform in the way the Cyprus Police organizes and utilizes its operational capabilities against serious and organized crime.
The Chief of Police noted that organized crime has changed dramatically in recent years. "Criminal organizations are now operating more flexibly, utilizing technology, developing international connections and operating simultaneously in many areas of crime." The goal, as he said, is "to dismantle entire criminal networks, cut off their economic power and, where possible, prevent their criminal activity".
One of the most important reforms of the "Police 2030"
The creation of the DAOE is one of the most important and catalytic reforms of the "Police 2030" program, through which the overall modernization of the Cyprus Police is promoted.
The new Directorate brings together under a single command critical operational capabilities and strengthens the link between information, analysis and operational action. Information collection and evaluation, operational investigation, data analysis, economic research, technology and international cooperation are now part of joint planning and common operational priorities.
At the same time, DAOE builds on the experience, know-how and operational culture that have been developed through the action of the Anti-Narcotics Service (YKAN), expanding this possibility against all serious and organized crime.
Christos Andreou: "The goal is to dismantle entire criminal networks"
On his part, the Director of DAOE, Mr. Christos Andreou, presented the business philosophy and the way the new Directorate operates.
The Directorate is structured in four Sub-Directorates, which work horizontally and provide support to each other for a holistic response to organized crime, with the common goal of preventing and dismantling criminal networks.Sub-Directorate of Information and Special Operations (YPEE)
The main mission of the Y.P.E.E.E. is to collect, manage, evaluate and analyze information related to Serious and Organized Crime.Sub-Directorate for Combating Drugs (Y.K.A.N.)
Y.K.A.N. Its main mission is to combat illicit drug trafficking and trafficking, with the aim of reducing the supply and demand of illicit addictive substances.Organized Crime Investigation Sub-Directorate (Y.D.O.R.E.)
The Y.D.O.R.E. has as its main mission the investigation and investigation of cases of Serious and Organized Crime throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.Sub-Directorate of Strategic Analysis, International and European Relations (Y.S.A.D.E.S.)
The main mission of the Y.S.A.D.E.S. is the strategic analysis and evaluation of the threat of Serious and Organized Crime and the development of the National Strategy for Dealing with it.
As he explained, the philosophy of the DAOE shifts the operational burden from the individual case to the overall picture of the criminal network: its structure and connections, its financial mechanisms, its international relations and the economic benefits that allow it to continue its action.
Central to the new approach is Intelligence Led Policing, with operational decisions based on evidence-based information analysis, risk assessment and the continuous updating of the picture of criminal threats. The DAOE will act as an analysis center for organized crime, aiming not only to investigate existing cases but also to identify and identify networks, new trends, interconnections and threats.
731 of the most threatening criminal networks in Europe
The conference presented evidence of the magnitude and internationalisation of the threat.
The European assessment identifies 731 of the most threatening criminal networks, with more than 400,000 members and 118 different nationalities, while around 85% of these networks use legitimate business structures to support or conceal their criminal activity.
Europol and international cooperation – A vibrant operational network
Particular reference was made to the importance of international and European police cooperation. Cooperation with Europol, participation in the European EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) actions and direct cooperation with the police authorities of other countries, are now organically integrated into the operational operation of the DAOE.
The operational cooperation with the Hellenic Police is particularly close and substantial, while, depending on the needs of each case, there is direct cooperation with other European police authorities, authorities of third countries and International Organizations.
The success of DAOE will be judged by its results
The Director of DAOE stressed that the real evaluation of the new Directorate will be done through its work and results. "The success of the DAOE will not be judged by the creation of a new structure. It will be judged by its results. From whether our work contributes to a safer Cyprus and to better protection of citizens. This is also our mission."
Investing in the security of the country and its citizens
The official launch of the IAOE marks another essential step in the modernization of the Cyprus Police and the strengthening of its capabilities against modern forms of serious and organized crime.
The new Directorate invests in information, analysis, specialization, technology, economic investigations and international cooperation, with a clear orientation: the more effective protection of society and the strengthening of the security of the Republic of Cyprus.
As the Chief of Police underlined, the DAOE is a tangible example of the direction of the 'Police 2030': a modern Police that does not just follow the developments, but strengthens its ability to predict them, to make more effective use of its information, technology and people and to respond to threats before they become more powerful.
