In a recent development, a member of a community council has been convicted for his role in facilitating the illegal entry and employment of foreign nationals into the Republic of Cyprus.
The conviction, as detailed in a report by the Audit Office covering all communities, highlights the gravity of the offence.
On March 11, 2016, the Nicosia Criminal Court issued a verdict against the said council member for offences directly linked to aiding and abetting the illegal entry and employment of foreign nationals within the Republic’s borders.
The member’s conviction stems from the issuance of fraudulent certificates, a violation of Article 48(3)(b) of the Communities Law. These certificates contained false information, knowingly asserted by the member, as well as information he could not verify for accuracy.
The severity of the offence is underscored by the penalty imposed, totalling €4,200, with the possibility of imprisonment.
The Law Office of the Republic, in correspondence dated May 23, 2016, emphasised the lack of integrity and moral reprehensibility inherent in the member’s actions, calling for the application of Article 16(2)(e) of the Communities Law, which prohibits individuals convicted of crimes of dishonourable nature or moral turpitude from serving in leadership roles within communities.
However, in a subsequent letter dated June 28, 2016, the Attorney General revisited the matter and concluded that the offences admitted by the member do not meet the threshold for moral turpitude or dishonourable nature.
