Alpha News

Justice Minister: Any Organized Crime Unit Reports to the Police Chief

Published January 25, 2026, 15:12

The Cypriot Ministry of Justice has firmly denied a report claiming the creation of a task force to combat organized crime, which would have directly reported to the Minister of Justice. According to the Ministry, the operational command and responsibility of the Cyprus Police remain solely with the Chief of Police, as defined by current legislation. The Minister of Justice's role is institutional, political, and supervisory, focusing on policy-making, overseeing the operation of the Police, and coordinating relevant services. This denial came in response to a publication in the newspaper “Kathimerini”. The Ministry stressed that any other interpretation or presentation of events is inaccurate and creates false impressions regarding institutional roles and responsibilities. The state, however, reaffirmed its determination to tackle organized crime, respecting the separation of powers and institutional order.