Home > Criminal Defence Lawyer Cyprus📋 On This Page
Criminal Defence Lawyer Cyprus
Cyprus-qualified criminal defence advocates. Representation in financial crime, fraud, money laundering, and international criminal proceedings before Cyprus courts.
Criminal defence in Cyprus requires a combination of deep knowledge of Cypriot criminal procedure, experience in the types of offences most commonly prosecuted in an international financial centre, and the ability to coordinate with counsel across multiple jurisdictions. Our criminal defence practice focuses on complex financial crime, international criminal proceedings, and cases with cross-border dimensions — the cases that demand the most from a legal team.
Financial Crime Defence
Cyprus is a significant hub for international financial and commercial activity. Financial crime allegations in Cyprus often involve: money laundering under the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering Activities Law; fraud and dishonesty offences under the Criminal Code (Cap. 154); tax offences; regulatory breaches involving CySEC-regulated entities; and foreign bribery allegations pursued by overseas authorities but with Cyprus-based evidence or defendants.
We represent clients at all stages of financial crime proceedings — from the early stages of a police investigation through to trial and appeal. Early legal intervention — before charges are brought — is often the most effective point at which to influence the outcome of a financial crime investigation.
Money Laundering Defence
Money laundering charges in Cyprus can arise from a wide range of underlying conduct — from straightforward cash transactions to complex layering through corporate structures. The prosecution must prove both that the funds in question are proceeds of a predicate offence and that the defendant knew or ought to have known this. Expert legal analysis of the source of funds, the corporate structure, and the defendant’s state of knowledge is essential to the defence.
International Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA)
In cross-border criminal cases, foreign authorities frequently seek evidence from Cyprus through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests. We advise companies and individuals in Cyprus who receive MLA-related notices — including bank production orders, search warrants, and witness summonses — on their rights and obligations, and on the scope of available legal challenges.
Our Cyprus Criminal Defence Team
Our lead partner, Paris Loizou, has more than ten years of criminal and civil litigation experience in Cyprus. The firm operates from Larnaca — the principal financial and commercial district of Cyprus — and is available for urgent appearances before all Cyprus district courts, including emergency hearings in extradition and bail matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cyprus follows a Common Law criminal procedure inherited from the British colonial period. Criminal proceedings are adversarial — prosecution and defence present their cases before a judge, and the judge (not a jury) decides the verdict. The standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt. Defendants have the right to legal representation, to be informed of the charges against them, to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and to present a defence.
In limited circumstances, yes. Cyprus exercises jurisdiction over certain offences committed by or against Cypriot nationals or Cypriot entities, and over conduct with a substantial connection to Cyprus. Additionally, foreign extradition requests can lead to the domestic prosecution of a person in Cyprus where Cyprus refuses to extradite its own nationals. We advise on the jurisdictional analysis in cases involving both Cypriot and foreign law.
Seek legal advice immediately. Do not provide statements to the police or any investigating authority without first consulting a lawyer. The right to silence is fundamental in Cyprus criminal proceedings, and statements made before legal representation is secured can have lasting negative consequences for the defence. We are available for urgent consultations in all criminal investigation matters.