Cyprus: Inmate Coordinated Drug Trafficking from Prison

A serious case of drug trafficking, protection racketeering, and illegal gambling is being investigated by the TAE Headquarters in Cyprus, with the arrest of 6 individuals, including an inmate, four members of the same family, and a 40-year-old man.

The inmate, while in custody, allegedly used a smartphone to communicate with a 37-year-old businesswoman (with whom he has a personal relationship) and her 72-year-old mother, through applications such as WhatsApp and Signal, giving instructions for managing illegal funds.

According to the police, the 40-year-old collected the illegal money and handed it over to the 37-year-old businesswoman, who managed it for personal expenses, expenses of her beauty institute, and payments to associates of the inmate. The amount collected in the last six months is estimated to be close to €1 million.

Searches of the suspects' homes led to the seizure of mobile phones, cash, and a painting. Police are also investigating the possible involvement of prison guards, who allegedly received money for favorable treatment of the inmate.

The arrested individuals were brought before the Nicosia District Court and detained.