Police are sounding the alarm over cases involving child sexual abuse material in Cyprus. According to the latest data from the Cybercrime Unit, in the first half of 2025 alone, 100 such cases were investigated.
In total, over the last four years more than 860 cases of circulation of such prohibited material have been recorded, demonstrating the continuing seriousness of the phenomenon. These cases are considered among the most serious and are referred to the Criminal Court. Each case has its differences, says Maria Pentaliotou, officer of the Cybercrime Unit.
International cooperation
Pentaliotou notes that cases arise either from complaints by citizens, or from information transmitted via Europol, Interpol, and other international authorities, or from the detection of suspicious users through licensed special systems used by Cybercrime Unit members. The Unit undertakes the full investigation of each case, identifying, collecting, and examining all digital evidence.
Each file or stored material undergoes forensic examination to verify its authenticity and the seriousness of its content. In cases where there are clear indications of guilt, a court warrant for seizure is issued. The seized material is secured for further evaluation and documentation, while suspects are arrested and held in custody.
After the investigation is completed, the cases are brought before the Criminal Court. Each case is assessed on the basis of the facts, evidence, and testimonies gathered, to ensure a fair trial.
Cooperation with foreign authorities (e.g., Europol) is crucial since these crimes are cross-border. The exchange of information, know-how, and experience is a daily practice, while members of the Unit participate in international operations, conferences, and training sessions with the aim of more effectively combating these crimes.
The scale of the problem
Police statistics show the intensity and spread of the phenomenon in recent years:
- 208 cases in 2024
- 203 in 2023
- 237 in 2022
- 214 in 2021
These figures reflect not only the high number of cases, but also the need for constant vigilance and close cooperation between the competent bodies.
Material using AI
AI-created material is also raising concern among law enforcement agencies. Cypriot legislation treats such material as real, and Cyprus is the first country to have enacted a special article addressing it.
The recent decision in parliament to criminalise the production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material created with AI is a significant development. This legislation extends the definition of “child sexual abuse material” to include digital material produced by modern technological tools. In this way, Cyprus becomes the first country in the EU to recognize and criminalise child abuse material generated using AI.
Penalties and comparison with the EU
According to the law, penalties for offences related to child sexual abuse range from five to 10 years’ imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the age of the victim. If the victim is under 13 years old, life imprisonment is provided for.
By pioneering legislation on child sexual abuse material created with AI, Cyprus is part of a broader European effort. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain are discussing or have already enacted measures to criminalise and strictly deal with such digital material, adapting penalties and the definition of child abuse to respond to new technological challenges.