Seven people were arrested on Thursday, March 6, in Ormidia following a joint operation by the British bases police and the Republic’s authorities. The operation aimed to combat modern slavery, illegal migration and unlawful employment.

According to a police statement, the arrests included a Greek Cypriot employer and six undocumented workers at a potato packaging facility.

The six workers face charges related to illegal residence and employment, while their employer has been charged with unlawful hiring.

The statement added that the arrested workers would be handed over to the immigration and aliens service for deportation.

The operation involved four police officers and seven customs officials from the British bases, supported by eight members of the Republic’s department of customs and immigration, the labour office, and social insurance authorities.

SBA Police Chief Inspector, Fanos Christodoulou, described the operation as “highly successful” and praised the collaboration between the British Bases authorities and their Cypriot counterparts. He also emphasised the importance of teamwork and close cooperation in tackling such issues.

“We take this type of crime very seriously and will continue to carry out operations of this nature in the future,” Christodoulou added.