In order to face this type of Criminality more effectively and due to the serious problem that Cyprus faces with the destruction and looting of its Cultural Heritage in the areas which are under Turkish Control, the Cyprus Police has formed (in August 1998) an Office of Cultural Heritage which is eager and willing to cooperate with other Specialized art units, such as INTERPOL, FBI, EUROPOL, and other related organizations, all over the world.
The establishment of the Office Of Cultural Heritage is also aligned with Article five of the UNESCO Convention (Paris 1972) regarding the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Among the main goals of this Office are:
(1) the protection,
(2) the preservation of the International cultural heritage,
(3) the fight against the illicit trafficing of works of Art and Cultural heritage and
(4) the immediate return (repatriation) of stolen antiquities to their lawful owners.
