Cyprus’s cabinet has approved an amendment allowing the monitoring of telephone communications in cases involving serious criminal offences, in what officials describe as a new tool against organised crime.
The changes aim to close gaps in legislation passed in 2020, which authorities say made it difficult to apply surveillance measures even when dealing with high‑risk criminal networks.
President Nikos Christodoulides said the decision represents “an important constitutional amendment” that will strengthen law‑enforcement efforts and follows recommendations from an FBI team invited to Cyprus to advise on tackling organised crime.
Under the proposal, phone monitoring would be carried out by police and the Cyprus Intelligence Service, but only with a court order.
Justice Minister Constantinos Phytires said Article 17 of the constitution must be amended to ensure the measure is lawful. He stressed that safeguards will be in place, with warrants issued for specific individuals suspected of organising criminal activity.