Philenews

Police Chief Slammed for Organized Crime Response: 'We're Losing 5-0 to the Underworld'

Published January 20, 2026, 08:19
Police Chief Slammed for Organized Crime Response: 'We're Losing 5-0 to the Underworld'

Nikos Loizidis, president of the Police Branch of the ISOTITA trade union, launched a scathing critique of the Police leadership regarding the handling of organized crime, following the serious incident in Larnaca. He argued that the Police are "losing 5-0 to the underworld" and that there is no clear action plan to combat organized crime, despite its mapping. Mr. Loizidis accused the Police leadership of corruption or negligence, stating that many incidents remain hidden to avoid showing the Police's weakness. He also expressed concern for the safety of police officers, emphasizing that they need to take protective measures to avoid becoming victims of attacks. Mr. Loizidis called for the intervention of the President of the Republic and proposed convening an emergency meeting at the Presidential Palace to discuss the situation. He stressed that the Police must act more decisively and focus on protecting the public interest, rather than favoring specific entrepreneurs. Referring to incidents of business protection in Oroklini, Mr. Loizidis accused the Police of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy over the safety of citizens.