Cyprus identified one suspected victim of human trafficking for labour exploitation during coordinated inspections at 12 premises in Nicosia and Larnaca, as part of a Europe-wide operation led by Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA).
The inspections took place between 14 and 20 September 2026 during the Labour Exploitation Action Days, an initiative aimed at preventing and combating labour exploitation.
Inspections at 12 premises
Members of the Cyprus Police’s Office for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, the Aliens and Immigration Service and local police stations carried out the checks in cooperation with the Department of Labour Inspection, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.
The inspections covered agricultural premises, livestock farms, restaurants and private businesses in industrial zones across the two districts.
Authorities checked a total of 83 people of various nationalities. One person was identified as a victim of human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation.
Inspectors also found violations of labour legislation affecting 19 workers employed by three employers. The Department of Labour Inspection subsequently filed complaints over the violations.
Three people were also arrested for residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus.
34 countries took part in European operation
The Labour Exploitation Action Days formed part of EMPACT, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats. Sweden coordinated the operation, with support from Europol and the European Labour Authority.
A total of 34 countries took part, involving police, border authorities, labour inspection and social security bodies, and tax authorities.
According to Europol, the Europe-wide operation resulted in 27 arrests and the identification of 248 potential victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation.
The operation also uncovered cases involving human trafficking for sexual exploitation, forced begging and domestic servitude.
The findings highlight the continuing threat posed by human trafficking, one of the most serious forms of organised crime in Europe.
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