Supreme Court rejects appeal in “human trafficking” case
The Supreme Court of Cyprus upheld the acquittal in the human trafficking case of a 21-year-old man arrested in 2023 for operating a boat carrying 32 migrants heading towards the Cypriot coast. The Attorney General’s appeal was dismissed.
The court noted that the investigation failed to prove a key element — intent to obtain financial gain. The fact that the young man did not pay for crossing the sea was not deemed sufficient grounds to qualify the act under the human trafficking statute.
However, the three-year sentence under the migration statute — for illegal operation of a vessel transporting people without permission — remains in effect. The boat was overloaded and the migrants were at risk, but the first-instance court took mitigating factors into account: the defendant’s age, lack of prior convictions, and his personal record.
Author
I am originally from St. Petersburg — a city with a unique character and rhythm. My professional life began rapidly: at just 16, I plunged into the world of global events. The World Cup, the roar of Formula 1 cars in Sochi, the energy of VK Fest, and the backstage of Fashion Week — I always…
You may also be interested in:
- Europe is aging rapidly: Cyprus predicted to lose a third of its population by the end of the century
- Limassol expands water supply system: new reservoirs and pumping stations to be built in the city
- Three detained in Limassol in money laundering case: cars and property worth hundreds of thousands of euros seized
- Electricity in Cyprus remains one of the most expensive for the EU population
- Deposit rates falling in Cyprus while mortgage loans become more expensive
