Cyprus has been officially informed of the arrest in Dubai of alleged organised crime figure ‘Edik’, who is also wanted by Cyprus police, with officials now seeking clarification over which international warrant was executed and what impact the development could have on the island’s own investigation.

According to Omega, well informed sources confirmed Cyprus has received formal notification of the arrest, although it remains unclear whether the detention was carried out under warrants issued by Greece, France or another jurisdiction.

Police had previously secured an arrest warrant for Edik in connection with investigations on the island.

The warrant followed a major police operation in Limassol on May 14, during which a police officer and two expatriates were arrested with assets worth around €500,000 which were seized.

During the initial court proceedings in that case, investigators alleged the operation was connected to “a person wanted by the Greek authorities for cigarette and fuel smuggling”, identifying that individual as Edik.

According to Omega, Cyprus is expected to pursue a European arrest warrant once the suspect is transferred to either Greece or France and the legal basis for his detention has been clarified.

Due to the fact that no bilateral extradition agreement exists between Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates, cooperation is expected to continue through Interpol procedures.

Greek authorities have also sought Edik for alleged involvement in organised crime, while French authorities have reportedly been investigating him as a suspect in the attempted murder of a Ukrainian national holding Cypriot citizenship in Monaco.

Greek media first reported the arrest earlier this week, although subsequent reports suggested extradition to Greece had not yet been secured despite the activation of an international arrest warrant.

News outlet Documento reported that legal representatives for the suspect are expected to challenge any extradition request.

The publication said the Greek arrest warrant covers allegations including participation in a criminal syndicate as well as large scale smuggling.

Previous reporting in Greece claimed Russian authorities had informed Athens that Edik is recognised as a Russian citizen and requested assurances regarding his rights and protection should he ultimately be extradited to Greece.

According to the same reports, his legal team is also seeking his transfer to Russia rather than Greece.