Cyprus moves to establish independent Coast Guard amid organised crime crackdown

Cyprus is moving to establish an independent Coast Guard as part of a broader internal security overhaul announced by Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fitiris on 09 February 2026.

Speaking at a press conference the same day, Fitiris said the country “needs to rid itself of organised crime, corruption and extortion rings,” adding that he is “personally committed” to the crackdown. He stressed that investigations must proceed with “absolute legality” and be based on evidence rather than social media allegations.

According to reports from the briefing, the proposed Coast Guard would operate outside the current Police structure and assume responsibility for maritime security from the coastline to Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone. Officials indicated that the new body would not fall under the Police hierarchy, signalling a structural shift in how maritime enforcement is organised.

The initiative forms part of a wider security strategy presented by the Justice Ministry, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity against organised crime and transnational illicit activity.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Order has listed the press event on the official government portal. However, no draft legislation text or detailed implementation framework has yet been made public.

The Coast Guard plan also lands within a broader context of expanding law-enforcement cooperation. In recent years, Cyprus has formalised justice system cooperation with the United States, including institutional collaboration involving the FBI and Cypriot authorities aimed at enhancing capabilities to counter illicit finance.

Further details regarding the command structure, operational mandate and timeline for establishing the Coast Guard have not been officially disclosed at the time of publication.