Nine convictions and the identification of 40 victims of exploitation were recorded in Cyprus last year in connection with human trafficking and workplace exploitation, announced Chief of Police Stelios Papatheodorou.
Mr. Papatheodorou made the statements on Tuesday during an educational event organized by the Cyprus Police, the Cyprus Police Academy, the European Police Academy, and the European Labour Authority, focusing on Human Trafficking and Exploitation in the Workplace.
The opening ceremony of the international educational activity took place at a hotel in Larnaca.
Officials from law enforcement agencies and labour inspectors from European countries are participating in the training.
Trainers from Spain, France, Greece, the Netherlands, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), Europol, the European Labour Authority, as well as Cyprus, are involved in the program.
“The efforts of the Cypriot police in investigating such cases and bringing suspects to court are well-known. Last year and this year, we had nine convictions and identified 40 victims of exploitation. That’s why the United States has upgraded the Republic of Cyprus to category 1 concerning the handling of such cases,” he said.
He thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labour, the Deputy Ministry of Welfare, and the Legal Service for their joint efforts.
