Cyprus participated in the pan-European action of Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA) LABOUR EXPLOITATION ACTION DAYS, which took place between 14 and 20 September 2026, with the aim of preventing and combating labour exploitation.
As part of the action, the Cyprus Police and specifically members of the Anti-Human Trafficking Office, the Aliens and Immigration Service (Y.A.M.) and local Police Stations, in cooperation with the Labour Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, carried out coordinated inspections in 12 premises in the districts of Nicosia and Larnaca.
The inspections were carried out on agricultural premises, animal farms, restaurants and private businesses within industrial zones. A total of 83 persons of various nationalities were identified and checked. One person was identified as a victim of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation. Violations of labour law were also found concerning 19 employees by three employers, for which the Department of Labour Inspection proceeded with relevant complaints. At the same time, three persons were arrested for illegal stay in the Republic.
The action LABOUR EXPLOITATION ACTION DAYS is part of EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) and was coordinated by Sweden, with the support of Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA). A total of 34 countries participated in the operation, as well as the relevant police authorities, border authorities, labour and social insurance inspection authorities, as well as tax authorities.
According to a relevant press release from Europol at European level, the action led to the arrest of 27 persons and the identification of 248 potential victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation. At the same time, cases of trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation, begging and domestic slavery were revealed, confirming that trafficking in human beings continues to be one of the most serious forms of organised crime in Europe.
