The Cypriot FBI begins operations on Monday, October 12.
The Organized Crime Directorate, headed by Christos Andreou, is officially becoming fully operational, with the goal of completely dismantling criminal networks.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The new agency is structured into four key sub-directorates:
- Sub-Directorate of Intelligence and Special Operations (Y.P.E.E.)
The primary mission of the Intelligence and Special Operations Sub-Directorate (Y.P.E.E.) is to collect, manage, evaluate, and analyze information related to serious and organized crime.
- Drug Enforcement Sub-Directorate (Y.K.A.N.)
The primary mission of the Drug Enforcement Sub-Directorate (Y.K.A.N.) is to combat the illicit trafficking and trade in drugs, with the aim of reducing the supply of and demand for illicit addictive substances.
- Sub-Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime (Y.D.O.R.E.)
The primary mission of Y.D.O.R.E. is to investigate and solve cases of serious and organized crime throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Sub-Directorate of Strategic Analysis, International and European Relations (Y.S.A.D.E.S.)
The Strategic Analysis, International, and European Relations Sub-Directorate (Y.S.A.has as its primary mission the strategic analysis and assessment of the threat posed by serious and organized crime and the development of the National Strategy to combat it.
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The creation of the DAOE is one of the most significant and transformative reforms of the “Police 2030” program, which promotes the comprehensive modernization of the Cyprus Police.
From the studio of the “Alpha News” program, the Director of the Cypriot FBI, Christos Andreou, presented the operational philosophy and modus operandi of the new Directorate.
The goal of completely dismantling criminal networks
The financial data and the profits reaped by criminal groups—or “criminal networks,” as Mr. Andreou characterized them —are what sustain them, helping them to grow stronger, expand, and ensure their continued existence.
“Investigations are certainly being conducted by all district police departments and the Special Investigations Units (TAE). With the establishment of the Organized Crime Division, which is tasked with investigating all cases—whether they involve homicides —the most serious offense—to less serious offenses, threats, or anything else related to organized crime, will now be investigated by the DAOE. We will no longer limit ourselves to a single specific case, as has been the practice until now. Until now, when a case was investigated—whether it involved financial crimes or anything else—it ended there. The difference with this Directorate is that we will go further, until we dismantle the entire network—or other networks—involved in the specific case. I believe that is the biggest difference.”
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What is Intelligence-Led Policing? Mr. Andreou explained that when a tip comes in, all agencies will evaluate it—an analysis will be conducted—and collaboration will be cross-functional, so that it is forwarded to investigators and then investigated systematically using all the available data.
“It’s not easy to start with a tip and end up with a case. That’s why this coordinated effort is underway right now. Certainly, there are plenty of investigative tools available. There’s also a very important tool: wiretapping, which for us is a crucial tool not only for solving cases but, above all, for prevention. In order to secure such evidence—so that we can proceed with either arrests or any other case—we must obtain this evidence. It is by no means easy.”
The Organized Crime Division, however, remains “homeless,” as efforts to purchase the building to which all its departments will be relocated have not been completed. In the 2027 budget, the Ministry of Justice has allocated a budget of €4,842,500 for the purchase of the building selected for the new Directorate, located on Ifigeneias Street, near Nikis Avenue, in the Acropolis area.
“We will be working not only with journalists but also with citizens, and internally as a police force. That is why we want our own building—to be secluded and to work in complete privacy.”
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The Director of the DAOE emphasized that the true evaluation of the new Directorate will be based on its work and results. The official launch of the DAOE marks yet another significant step in the modernization of the Cyprus Police and in strengthening its capabilities to combat modern forms of serious and organizedorganized crime.
The new Directorate invests in intelligence, analysis, expertise, technology, financial investigations, and international cooperation, with a clear focus: to more effectively protect society and strengthen the security of the Republic of Cyprus.
