Organised crime will be at the centre of Thursday’s meeting between Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis, Cyprus police leadership and their Greek counterparts, according to information obtained by Phileleftheros.
Whilst Monday’s announcement from the Justice and Public Order Ministry provided no specific details, the agenda is expected to include the possible establishment of a unit in Cyprus police similar to Greece’s Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, according to information received by Phileleftheros.
Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis will attend the meeting along with the directorate’s commander, Fotis Ntouitsis, whilst the Greek delegation is expected to include Hellenic Police chief Dimitris Mallios.
The Justice Ministry and Cyprus police have shown interest in the directorate’s structure and operations in the recent past. A number of reports following the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous in Limassol included references to meetings between senior Cyprus police officials and Greek police.
The directorate is a central service of the Hellenic Police responsible for tackling organised and serious crime.
Its creation was decided by presidential decree, and the service has administrative autonomy, though it reports to police headquarters. Based in Attica, its remit extends across Greece.
The directorate is responsible for dismantling criminal organisations, investigating money laundering from criminal activities, investigating serious crimes including drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crimes, crimes against life and property, trafficking and sports violence, and monitoring organised crime trends and studying techniques to combat it.
Phileleftheros contacted the Justice and Public Order Ministry around midday on Monday with specific questions. Instead of answers, the ministry said an announcement would be published shortly.
About 1.5 hours after the query, the ministry announced: “On Thursday 4/12/2025, Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis arrives in Cyprus for an official visit and will meet Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis and Cyprus police leadership. Chrysochoidis will be accompanied by senior Hellenic Police officials.
According to the official programme, after the minister’s arrival, a wreath will be laid at 11am at the Makedonitissa Memorial to fallen Greeks and Cypriots in the Turkish invasion. The two ministers will then hold a private meeting at the Justice and Public Order Ministry, whilst Cyprus and Greek police leadership will meet separately.
After the private meetings conclude, an expanded meeting of both delegations will follow, along with statements to the media.
Chrysochoidis will depart late in the afternoon, returning to Athens.
