Police have arrested eight individuals on suspicion of funding a terrorist organisation believed to be linked to Hezbollah, according to current police evidence.
In an operation kept out of the public eye, police apprehended the individuals yesterday morning, suspecting their involvement in financing a terrorist group.
The suspects, aged 28 to 49, are being investigated for conspiracy to commit a felony, participation in a criminal organisation, and offences related to anti-terrorism legislation.
Five Syrians, including a couple, were arrested in Limassol, and three in Paphos. All hold subsidiary protection status due to the ongoing situation in Syria.
The arrests followed intelligence, likely from foreign agencies, suggesting money was being sent from Cyprus to a Syria-based terrorist organisation.
After evaluating the information and identifying details about the money transfer methods, arrest warrants were issued.
Sources suggest the funds were transferred via a wireless network to individuals associated with the terrorist group.
Authorities are examining computers and other devices for evidence related to this case. This marks the first extensive investigation into terrorist financing in Cyprus.
The suspects were brought before the Nicosia District Court under tight security, where police requested an eight-day detention. Following a lengthy cross-examination of the case investigator, the court granted a six-day detention order. The suspects deny any involvement.
Police spokesman Christos Andreou stated that the arrests came after receiving information about individuals raising and transferring funds to a specific terrorist organisation in a third country.
He emphasised there was no indication of planned terrorist activities within Cyprus or elsewhere.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Police Headquarters, in collaboration with other services, is investigating whether the money sent to Syria came from contributions by compatriots of the arrested individuals residing in Cyprus.
They are also exploring other potential sources of funds, with the Drug Law Enforcement Unit involved in the investigation.
The Minister of Justice and the Attorney General were informed of the case yesterday. The Attorney General stated that at this stage, the police are handling the matter.
Further decisions will be made after the investigation progresses and the Law Office evaluates the gathered evidence.
Authorities may request access to suspects’ bank accounts to trace the money trail. The investigation is in its initial stages, with all collected evidence to be examined and suspects to be interrogated to hear their version of events.
