Alpha News

Former Police Deputy Chief: Organized Crime Must Be Hit Where It Hurts – The Money

Published February 16, 2026, 09:33

Former Deputy Chief of Police, Dimitris Dimitriou, analyzed the challenges in tackling organized crime, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive state strategy and targeting the financial sources of criminal organizations. He stressed that combating illegality requires coordination between services such as MOKAS, Customs, and Tax under the supervision of the Council of Ministers, and revealed that he had submitted a comprehensive plan for the creation of an independent crime prosecution unit as early as June 2024. Dimitriou emphasized that the substantial weakening of criminal organizations is achieved through financial investigations, stating that they must be "hit where it hurts: the money and corruption." A cleansing of the Police force is also necessary, as the allegations coming from the wanted "Annie" must be fully investigated. Regarding the allegations involving police officers, Dimitriou stated that all information must be evaluated and investigated thoroughly if evidence exists. He characterized the process as an opportunity for cleansing in all areas. Finally, he expressed his satisfaction with the willingness of the new Minister of Justice, but stressed that society demands "actions, not words." He emphasized that the Police are responsible for the operational evaluation of information and that Cyprus must implement modern policing models to avoid lagging behind in tackling organized crime.