A 30yearold man confessed to smuggling and possessing 15kg of cannabis for distribution in Paphos after being caught at the airport. He remains in custody as the investigation continues, and authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation.
The Invest Cyprus annual general meeting, held in Nicosia, aims to unveil the strategic roadmap for sustainable investment and economic development, reinforcing Cyprus’ position as a prime location for business and innovation. Notable figures, including the Deputy Minister to the President and the Minister of Finance, will be in attendance, and the CEO of Invest Cyprus will present on investable projects and key criteria for investment in Cyprus.
The IDEA Innovation Centre, backed by the Bank of Cyprus, is accepting applications for their Startup Programme until February 16, 2024. Startups accepted into the programme will receive seed capital, business creation training, mentorship, professional services, and networking opportunities to help them grow and succeed in the competitive startup world.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had a negative impact on tourism in Cyprus, leading to a decline in visitors, particularly from Israel. This has resulted in cancellations and fewer tourist arrivals, prompting the need to diversify and target markets like Germany and Poland for sustainable growth.
The new grant scheme for Cypriot SMEs aims to promote sustainable and circular business models by providing €14.4 million in funding, covering up to 50% of investment costs. The scheme will assist over 40 SMEs, encouraging technological modernization and a greener economy, in line with Cyprus’s Industrial Policy until 2030.
A man was arrested at Paphos Airport for attempting to board a flight to Germany with a flagged passport that had been reported missing and used by another impersonator. In a separate incident, a woman was detained for carrying forged Belgian travel documents.
Cyprus has heightened its security measures in response to tensions in the Middle East, including denying requests for Israeli football teams to play on the island and increasing police presence in potential target areas. These precautions underscore Cyprus’s commitment to public safety amidst the current climate of uncertainty.
The Cyprus police have made three arrests in Limassol and Famagusta for burglary and theft, recovering stolen property and securing suspects. In Limassol, two were arrested for a café burglary, and in Famagusta, another was apprehended for car theft and illegal firearm possession. Investigations continue in both cases.
The restoration of the Arsenal/Canbulat Bastion in Famagusta is a significant cultural achievement, funded by the European Union and executed by the UNDP. This project not only preserves Famagusta’s historical tapestry but also promotes community reunification and dialogue, reflecting a collective commitment to Cyprus’s rich cultural legacy.
In Paphos, 22 individuals were detained for residing without legal permission during a police operation to enforce Cyprus’s immigration laws and control its borders. The authorities have initiated repatriation processes for the detainees as part of their efforts to maintain control over the country’s borders.
