The Ministry of Justice has denied reports suggesting the creation of a special task force to combat organised crime that would operate under the authority of the justice minister.
In an official clarification, the ministry rejected information published in the current edition of Kathimerini Cyprus, stressing that any coordination or operational group dealing with organised crime does not report, either administratively or operationally, to the minister.
According to the statement, the role of the justice minister is institutional, political and supervisory. This includes policy formulation, oversight of the proper functioning of the police, and coordination of services that fall within the ministry’s remit. The minister is also responsible for promoting the necessary legislative framework to strengthen state policy against crime.
Operational responsibility rests with the police
The ministry underlined that operational command and responsibility for the Cyprus Police rest exclusively with the chief of police, as provided for under existing legislation. Any alternative interpretation or public presentation to the contrary, it said, does not reflect reality and risks creating misleading impressions about the institutional roles and competences of the authorities involved.
The clarification emphasised that neither the administrative structure nor the operational chain of command of any body tasked with addressing organised crime is subordinated to the justice minister.
Commitment to tackling organised crime
Concluding its statement, the ministry said the state remains fully committed to the decisive fight against organised crime, while strictly respecting the separation of powers and the established institutional framework.
The clarification was issued by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, with reference to the statutory responsibilities of the Cyprus Police under current law.