US Embassy Boosts Cyprus’ Crime-Fighting Capabilities with New Cooperation on Financial Crimes
The United States Embassy in Cyprus has announced a new cooperative effort with the Republic of Cyprus’ law enforcement agencies to strengthen the island nation’s capabilities in countering illicit financing and financial crimes.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FBI and the Cyprus National Police (CNP)
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will establish closer ties with their Cypriot counterparts through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FBI and the Cyprus National Police (CNP).
- The FBI and CNP will collaborate on investigating financial crimes with links to Cyprus.
- DOJ will provide expert prosecutorial assistance.
Request for Additional Support
President Nicos Anastasiades’ request for additional support in combating financial crimes led to this new cooperation.
Key Law Enforcement Partners
Key law enforcement partners, such as the Law Office of the Republic (LOR) and the Finance Intelligence Unit (MOKAS), will join the FBI and CNP in the new initiative.
Goals of the Cooperation
- Proactively detect, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes with links to Cyprus.
- Leverage the experience of the DOJ.
Existing Work and Future Improvements
Both sides have already taken steps to curb money laundering and sanctions evasion. With the new cooperation, Cyprus intends to bolster its efforts further, continuing to improve the robustness and resilience of its legal system and economy.
Participating US Departments and Teams
- DOJ, FBI, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), Task Force KleptoCapture, and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) have worked together to respond to the request from President Anastasiades.
Optimism for Anticipated Progress
Both partners express optimism regarding the anticipated progress that this closer interaction between their justice systems will yield.