European Union justice ministers have promised to improve how they work together. They want to share more information to fight organised crime better. This is important because crime groups often work across different countries.
Recently, police in Cyprus stopped a local crime group. This group was reportedly involved in asking for money and selling illegal drugs. Five people were arrested. One of them was a soldier, showing that criminals come from different places.
Police think this group was working for about three years. They allegedly forced nightclub owners to pay them for protection. The group also controlled drug sales in Larnaca. Police searched homes and found a lot of evidence. They took phones, money, jewellery, and even a gun.
The police also checked the suspects' money. They wanted to find money that did not match their jobs. This shows they are trying to stop the group's money. The suspected leader, aged 42, was arrested. Another person known as 'Syop' was also arrested.
The police also found a possible connection to an attack on a businessman last year. This suggests the group was violent. These arrests happened when EU ministers met in Nicosia. They talked about the big problem of organised crime in Europe.
Cypriot Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said they must work together. He said, "We need to join forces to fight crime." The ministers agreed that they need to take money from criminals. They said that if criminals keep their illegal money, they can grow their power.
Organised crime makes a lot of money in the EU. It is a big problem for the economy. The police operation in Cyprus and the ministers' promise show a stronger plan. They will share information and try to stop criminals' money.