30,000 companies face fines for non-compliance
Almost 30,000 companies have yet to make updated disclosures about their Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) and could face fines for non-compliance.
complaints
EU will not delay deforestation law, environment chief says on Ivory Coast visit
The European Union is not planning to delay a new law cracking down on commodities linked to deforestation, set to come into force at the end of 2024. The law will require companies to prove their goods were not grown on deforested land. Some EU countries requested a delay, but the Commissioner stated that producers and governments have had nearly two years to prepare. Ivory Coast has launched a national sustainable cocoa strategy to comply with the EU requirements, with the Commissioner stating they are well-prepared. The EU will not fully cover the costs of compliance, but has launched various support programs and a reforestation loan for Ivory Coast.
Nicosia municipality declares buildings dangerous after inspections
The Nicosia Municipality has identified several buildings as dangerous during inspections, especially in areas of special character. Trained engineers/technicians determine if the buildings pose a danger and declare them as such according to Cypriot legislation. Owners of these buildings are urged to contact the Technical Service of the Municipality to address the danger. Failure to do so may result in the Municipality taking action to eliminate the risk, imposing fines, or initiating a criminal case. The buildings declared as dangerous are located at various addresses in different parishes within Nicosia.
Police to seize €807,000 from St Habakkuk monastery in money laundering probe
Police are set to seize €807,000 found in a safe at the Saint Habakkuk monastery as part of a money laundering probe. The Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit will request a court order to freeze the funds to prevent them from being moved or concealed. Separate investigations into the monastery’s finances are also underway, looking into various aspects including fundraising practices and potential financial irregularities. Significant developments are expected next week, with completed cases involving assault and sexual harassment being prepared for submission to the Attorney General’s Office.
Retired cop challenges disciplinary action for abuse allegations
A former senior police officer is trying to stop disciplinary proceedings against him, which began in 2021 after 11 officers filed complaints about his behavior. Despite the ongoing hearing, the officer’s retirement prompted a request to discontinue the proceedings, citing legislation that prohibits civilian prosecution for police disciplinary offenses. The Disciplinary Committee plans to continue the process but is waiting for the prosecuting authority’s official position on the legal challenge.
Larnaca municipality continues mosquito spraying campaign
Larnaca Municipality is conducting systematic spraying to combat mosquitoes in the city, focusing on areas such as the Salt Lakes where significant breeding is observed. Biological insecticides are used in protected areas, and spraying targets stagnant water areas like storm drains and pools. Residents are urged to take preventive measures by avoiding stagnant water on their premises and clearing wild vegetation to deny mosquitoes shelter. Contact the Municipality’s Health Service for more information.
Greens call on church to halt building on Natura 2000 site
Fact: The Cyprus church is ignoring government warnings about illegal monastery-building works in the environmentally-protected Cape Greco area.
UK government backs J.K. Rowling in Scottish hate crime law challenge
The British government stated that J.K. Rowling should not be arrested for her transgender views after she challenged Scotland’s new hate crime law by asserting that a number of trans women were men.
Saint Habakkuk under investigation for money laundering, fraud
The scandal in Saint Habakkuk monastery involves money laundering, fraud, and obtaining money by false pretences. A large sum of undeclared cash was found on the premises, leading to an investigation by the police. The Ministry of the Interior provided details on authorised collections conducted by the Abbey to compare with the undisclosed cash. Police are examining footage from the monastery’s closed-circuit system to determine when audio recording was activated and if any crimes were captured. The origin of €807,000 seized on March 5 is a key aspect of the investigation. Commercial banks are providing information on bank accounts held by senior monks. Counter-complaints have been filed by two archimandrites against Bishop Isaias. Other investigations include an assault by a monk on a woman and allegations of sexual harassment.
Turkish Cypriot social media journalist bailed
Turkish Cypriot social media journalist Serdinc Maypa was released on bail on Monday after being charged with violating individuals’ right to privacy. Police insisted there was a chance he could tamper with evidence, but the judge disagreed. Records on his mobile phone and computer showed 2,586 relevant messages and 28,273 photographs and documents. Maypa has also made allegations regarding the institutions that filed complaints against him.