Cabinet on Wednesday decided to revoke the Cypriot citizenship of Malaysian-born Jho Low, an internationally wanted fugitive.Though the decision was taken last year, Low filed an appeal prompting an independent committee to re-examine the case. Government sources told the Cyprus Mail the committee decided to reject the appeal, prompting the interior minister to put the … Read more
Authorities are close to completing an investigation into how Malaysian fugitive Jho Low obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2015. Low, wanted for allegedly embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund, acquired a Cypriot passport through the country’s citizenship by investment program. The investigation involves an international arrest warrant and the potential confiscation of a villa Low purchased in Ayia Napa. Despite initial delays, Low’s citizenship was revoked in May 2023, leading to an appeal filed with the Supreme Court. Low denies wrongdoing and his whereabouts are unknown.
Cypriot authorities are revoking the citizenship of 68 investors and 165 dependents next week due to criminal offenses pending against them. Among those affected are individuals from China, Russia, and India. The decision to strip citizenship was made based on information provided by Interpol regarding various criminal charges, such as fraud and bribery, that carry significant prison sentences. The individuals have the right to appeal the decision with the Independent Authority on Citizenship Debarment.
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, causing a diplomatic dilemma for key member states who must balance support for Israel with backing the ICC’s actions. Some capitals, such as Paris, London, and Berlin, were informed beforehand about the plans, but many have not disclosed how they will respond if warrants are issued. Germany, in particular, faces challenges due to its support for Israel’s security and the ICC prosecutor’s independence. U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have criticized the move, while European countries like Britain and Italy are divided over the issue. The ICC has jurisdiction over the conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2022, despite Israel not being a member of the court. The international community’s response to the arrest warrants will be crucial for the ICC’s credibility and the rule of law.
Police are awaiting information from Europol, Interpol, and Russian authorities to identify the sender of a threatening email sent to schools. The email was not specifically written for Cyprus and appears to have been translated online. The sender is from a foreign country, not Cyprus, and the email address may have been appropriated by a third party. The ultimate goal of the investigation is to pinpoint the sender.
A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.