Cyprus Arrests Smuggling Gang Amid Increased Migrant Arrivals from the Middle East

Cypriot police arrested ten individuals today, Monday, suspected of running a criminal gang involved in human smuggling, as the island experienced a new surge in arrivals over the weekend. Cyprus, located at the crossroads of three continents, has seen a rise in irregular migration since 2017. Cypriot officials have repeatedly expressed concerns that the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East may lead to an increase in those fleeing the region. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry noted that approximately 264 Syrians arrived over the weekend after departing from the Lebanese coast. The police stated that the suspects in human trafficking were apprehended at various locations in the Paphos area of the island on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime, belonging to a criminal organization, smuggling, and money laundering. The police also reported that one of the suspects was found in possession of a large sum of money.