New shocking revelations about the activities of a criminal group in the city and district of Larnaca emerged following four arrests carried out yesterday by the Larnaca CID, in cooperation with other police units, after a large-scale operation conducted in Larnaca and Nicosia districts.
Arrested to facilitate investigations were a 44-year-old Greek Cypriot active in Larnaca, a 42-year-old accountant from Nicosia, a 49-year-old remand prisoner (of Arab origin, with Cypriot nationality) currently held in the Central Prisons, and a 45-year-old Greek Cypriot woman from Larnaca district.
All four suspects are being investigated for very serious offences allegedly committed between 2021 and 2024 in Larnaca.
The case relates to the sale and purchase of land and came to light following a complaint by an elderly individual, who alleges that the suspects extorted large sums of money through threats and intimidation.
The offences under investigation include participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit felonies and misdemeanours, abduction, kidnapping and deprivation of liberty, obtaining money under false pretences, extortion, threats of violence, illegal possession and transport of firearms and explosives, and money laundering.
Searches were carried out at properties linked to the suspects, where evidence was collected for examination. All suspects are expected to appear before the Larnaca District Court for remand orders.
Extensive criminal record
According to reliable information, two of the suspects are already known to the authorities, having been involved in serious criminal cases in the past.
In particular, the 49-year-old remand prisoner is a key figure in two cases currently pending before the Larnaca Assize Court. One concerns serious incidents on 17 January near Larnaca Police Station involving gunfire, while the other relates to the torture case uncovered at a casino in Pyla, where videos were found on his mobile phone.
The incidents near the police station were linked to organised crime and protection rackets targeting a business on Grigori Afxentiou Avenue. Five individuals face charges in that case, with the trial set for 6 July.
The 49-year-old, described by police as the “leader” of the criminal group, also faces an additional charge of assaulting a 39-year-old man from Bulgaria in Pyla.
Business previously targeted
The 44-year-old from Larnaca is also a defendant in a separate case before the Larnaca District Court, involving attempts to obstruct justice and influence a witness connected to the January incidents. That case is scheduled for 17 June.
He has been released on conditions pending trial. It is noted that his business was targeted in an arson attack last summer, during which the perpetrators also attempted to kill a night guard.
The 42-year-old suspect from Nicosia has previously been investigated by police in connection with naturalisation cases.
Also known to authorities
According to Politis, the 42-year-old accountant and lawyer is also known to authorities and had been involved in police investigations related to the “golden passports” scandal and the services provided by his office.
His alleged involvement in the current case is linked to services connected to the reported fraud against the elderly complainant.
