New Bill for Phone Surveillance by Authorities in Cyprus

The Government is equipping law enforcement with increased capabilities for phone call surveillance to combat organized crime. The Council of Ministers approved a relevant bill, which is expected to be discussed soon in the parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs.

These changes come after recommendations from the American FBI, aimed at addressing the increase in organized crime. The bill allows surveillance of suspects for organized crime, terrorism, corruption, narcotics, and child pornography.

Surveillance will be carried out under a court order, following a request from the Chief of Police and the Commander of the KYP to the Attorney General, accompanied by a relevant report. Legal expert, Mr. Achilleas Aimilianidis, speaking to OMEGA, emphasized the need for strict conditions.

A previous attempt in 2020 was not implemented due to reservations about the absence of safeguards. The Minister of Justice seeks the passage of the bill before the dissolution of Parliament.