Press Releases

The Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America (USA) are pleased to reaffirm their shared commitment to enhancing the capabilities of Cyprus to counter illicit finance.

In March 2024, the Republic of Cyprus and the USA embarked on a collaborative effort to strengthen the ability of the Republic of Cyprus to detect, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes. This initiative, spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the Embassy of the USA in Lefkosia, has yielded significant progress.

The FBI and the DOJ have shared their extensive experience with their Cypriot counterparts, resulting in enhanced capabilities to proactively detect, investigate, and prosecute cases involving financial crimes with a nexus to Cyprus. The U.S. government provided expert investigative and prosecutorial assistance, significantly boosting the capacity of Cyprus to handle complex financial criminal cases. 

This partnership has also further promoted the efforts to counter money laundering and strengthen future prosecutions, improving the strength, integrity, and resilience of the Cypriot legal system and economy.

The Republic of Cyprus and the USA reaffirm that this collaboration remains an ongoing effort. The USA remains committed to the ongoing coordination with Cypriot law enforcement to strengthen capabilities in countering illicit finance. One example of this commitment to the joint effort and the positive collaboration between the Republic of Cyprus and the USA is the decision, upon the Republic of Cyprus’ request, to relocate the Regional Legal Advisor (RLA) to Cyprus. The RLA programme brings U.S. prosecutors to help governments more effectively prosecute criminals, especially in complex cases.

Looking ahead, there is an ambitious 2025 training plan to continue developing new skills and capacity in Cypriot counterparts, both locally and at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Budapest. At present, the plan contains over 21 weeks of training to different Cypriot law enforcement agencies in areas such as financial investigative and forensic accounting techniques, case management, and technological solutions relevant to investigations.

The partnership initiated by the FBI/DOJ Working Group will continue, ensuring thorough investigative work which upholds the highest standards of justice and leads to successful prosecutions.

The Republic of Cyprus and the USA have a shared vision for justice and are united in their dedication to enhancing collaboration on critical law enforcement topics. Both nations look forward to continued partnership across these challenges, ensuring that justice is served and financial crimes are effectively countered.

(RM/MS/AP)