The Cypriot government has launched a sweeping series of law enforcement and legislative initiatives targeting a spectrum of criminal activities, from organized networks to environmental violations. In a concerted push to bolster public security and regulatory compliance, authorities have announced the formation of a new specialized police division, imposed severe penalties for customs evasion, passed a stringent deportation law for criminal asylum seekers, and concluded a major operation against illegal bird poaching. These parallel actions signal a robust and multifaceted approach to governance and justice.
The cornerstone of this offensive against serious crime is a planned new unit within the Cyprus Police, focused on dismantling organized criminal enterprises. The initiative was solidified during a high-level meeting in Nicosia between Cypriot Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and his Greek counterpart, Michalis Chrisochoidis. The unit is to be established with technical assistance from Greece, drawing upon the operational model of a similar, effective division already active there. Minister Hartsiotis, addressing the deliberate pace of such institutional reforms, noted, “Sometimes the most important thing is not the timing, but getting things done properly.”
Simultaneously, the nation’s parliament enacted controversial legislation granting the government expanded powers to deport asylum seekers convicted of serious criminal offenses. The law streamlines the process, transferring authority to the Council of Ministers and setting a strict ten-day window for individuals to appeal before their protection status is revoked and deportation proceedings begin. The move has ignited heated debate across the political spectrum. While MPs from parties like ELAM and DIKO championed the law as a necessary tool for public safety, with ELAM’s Sotiris Ioannou stating, “The message must be simple: Those who commit crimes must be deported,” left-wing and green factions voiced profound concern over potential human rights infringements.
Beyond these structural and legal changes, enforcement actions have yielded significant, tangible results. At Larnaca airport, a Cypriot national was levied a staggering €20,000 fine after attempting to bypass customs with undeclared luxury items, including a watch valued at nearly €100,000. In the environmental domain, a sustained two-month crackdown on illegal bird trapping, a persistent issue on migratory routes, concluded with considerable success. A coalition of police, wildlife services, and volunteer groups from the Committee Against Animal Slaughter conducted daily patrols, leading to 55 convictions and fines totalling almost €240,000. The operation also resulted in the seizure of thousands of illegal trapping devices and the liberation of over 1,200 birds.
Collectively, these measures represent a pronounced shift towards a more assertive enforcement posture in Cyprus. The developments suggest a government intent on addressing both immediate infractions and systemic vulnerabilities, from border controls and migration policy to environmental protection and transnational crime. While the efficacy and humanitarian implications of certain policies will undoubtedly face continued scrutiny, the current administration has unequivocally signaled its determination to impose a stricter rule of law across multiple fronts of civic life.