Two former senior police on Tuesday came forward to criticise what they describe as a restrictive and dismissive policy by the current police leadership. They claim recent decisions to deny weapon licences, or even demand the return of previously approved service weapons, leave them exposed to potential threats from organised crime groups they once fought.

One of the officers told Philenews he received a rejection letter just 15 days ago. His request to continue carrying a weapon following retirement was turned down by the cabinet, acting on the advice of police chief Themistos Arnaoutis. The officer, who previously held a sensitive post in the fight against organised crime, said he was placed under police protection for seven years during the 1990s due to threats against his life.

“My name was the first on a list found on a man killed by an explosive device,” he said.

“This man was linked to a criminal gang. The police headquarters even warned me to be extra careful. Now they tell me I don’t need a gun, it’s like they’re leaving us at the mercy of the underworld.”

He said his recent application included these incidents as proof of ongoing risk, but they were ignored.

“The danger didn’t end when I retired,” he added.

A second retired officer said he was forced to hand in his service pistol earlier this year, despite a long career in high-risk roles. He served in anti-drugs, intelligence, and organised crime units, and said his actions during service often provoked anger among criminal elements.

“For years my house was under constant patrol,” he told the paper.

“Now, this is the thanks I get after risking my life for this country.”

Responding to the criticism, deputy police chief Panicos Stavrou said all licence requests go through a formal legal process. As chair of the relevant police committee, he explained that each case is assessed by a team of senior officers. The committee then submits a recommendation to the chief of police, who forwards the final proposal to the cabinet.

“There are roughly 6,000 police officers in Cyprus, and many retire every year. We can’t approve gun licences lightly,” Stavrou said.

When questioned about foreign nationals and private bodyguards receiving such permits in the past, Stavrou said those cases had since been “regulated”. He also confirmed that, at present, only 25 individuals across Cyprus hold legal licences to carry firearms, a sharp decline from previous years.

Documents reveal that up until the late 2010s, up to 60 gun licences were in circulation. Among the recipients were bodyguards for wealthy Russian businessmen, some of whom were seen publicly with the former president of the republic. At least one such businessman had also been granted Cypriot citizenship.

In addition, between five and seven politicians reportedly held permits before 2020. The list also included a foreign businessman under criminal investigation and a Saudi royal family member. The retired officers argue that while politicians and foreign elites had been armed in the past, those who directly confronted criminal gangs in service to the state are now being left vulnerable.