Police seized computers and mobile phones from three individuals during a raid at the Department of Forests’ Aviation Unit in Larnaca yesterday morning, as part of an investigation into suspected financial irregularities in aircraft rental, maintenance and equipment procurement.
Criminal investigators from police headquarters searched two officials’ offices but failed to locate a third person despite having a search warrant.
Police have gathered evidence which they will cross-reference with materials collected from the Forestry Department. Three department employees are believed to be involved in the case.
The relevant ministry awaits completion of the criminal investigation before deciding whether to suspend the individuals to protect the integrity of the probe.
The Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Ministry yesterday afternoon referenced findings from an administrative investigation into the department’s firefighting aircraft tenders since 2017.
Based on these findings, Police launched a criminal investigation under the Law Office’s direction.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou ordered the administrative probe following a written complaint from a competing company against the winning contractor.
A civil servant from another agriculture ministry department examined all contracts including rentals and maintenance from 2017 onwards.
The administrative investigation report was submitted to the agriculture minister on December 6, 2024, and immediately forwarded to the Law Office of the Republic.
After evaluating the evidence, investigators’ findings were sent to police for further investigation.
Following her appointment, the minister secured two cabinet decisions regarding the department’s aircraft tenders: procurement procedures were transferred to the Treasury, and the aviation unit will move from the Agriculture Ministry to the Defence Ministry.
