Members of the US federal ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) unit invited by President Nikos Christodoulides to assist in investigating recent devastating fires in mountainous Limassol are expected to arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday evening and begin work on Thursday, Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou told the Cyprus News Agency.
Antoniou said the team will conduct an on-site inspection of the fire area, with attention focused on the point where the first smoke sources were reported.
He added they are expected to remain in Cyprus for ten days and will provide an initial assessment of their findings upon completion of investigations, followed by a written report to be submitted to the President.
The US federal ATF unit is considered one of the world’s most specialised and experienced fire and arson investigation teams.
ATF is a federal agency within the US Department of Justice established in 1972, responsible for enforcing laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson, playing a crucial role in regulating and investigating activities involving these products to protect public safety, combat violent crime and enforce federal laws governing their manufacture, distribution, and possession.
The ten-member team coming to Cyprus deals exclusively with arson investigation. ATF investigates arson incidents, explosive devices, and fire-related crimes to determine their causes, origins, and circumstances.
ATF special agents and forensic experts analyse fire scenes, collect evidence and assist law enforcement authorities in identifying arson suspects, prosecuting arson cases, and preventing arson-related incidents.
Other ATF responsibilities include enforcing federal laws and regulations governing alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and related products production, distribution and sale, including issuing licences and permits, conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to prevent illegal activities and ensure public health and safety.
ATF also investigates violations of federal laws related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives and arson, including illegal trafficking, smuggling, possession and use of these commodities, with ATF special agents conducting criminal investigations, collecting evidence and cooperating with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and prosecute violators.
(information from CNA)
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