A 77-year-old man has accused an alleged criminal group of extortion, threats and fraud in Larnaca, with police linking four suspects to the case during a court hearing on their remand.
Shocking details emerged before Larnaca District Court during lengthy proceedings concerning three men and one woman, whom police suspect of involvement in organised criminal activity over the past four years.
The suspects are a 44-year-old businessman based in Larnaca, a 45-year-old woman from the district, a 49-year-old remand prisoner currently held in Nicosia Central Prisons, and a 42-year-old accountant from Nicosia.
According to sworn testimony by Larnaca CID sergeant Angeliki Daniil, the suspects allegedly set up a coordinated scheme in 2021 targeting the 77-year-old complainant. The man claims he was deceived and forced, through threats and intimidation, to hand over large sums of money.
In his statement to police, the complainant said he was threatened with his life if he did not comply with the suspects’ demands and paid money under fear.
The complaint was filed in March, prompting an investigative team to examine what police describe as a complex and serious case, with each suspect believed to have played a distinct role.
The court heard that transactions involving the sale of property in Pyla and Anglisides were linked to the case. According to police testimony, the properties were transferred to the 44-year-old and the 42-year-old, but were not fully paid for.
Investigators also referred to alleged pressure on the complainant to become a partner in a betting agency, despite never signing any agreement. Under the pretext of this “partnership”, the suspects are said to have obtained a significant amount of money.
In one instance, the 49-year-old allegedly made purchases worth 2,000 euros from a supermarket for the betting agency, claiming the 77-year-old would cover the cost. The complainant paid, reportedly out of fear, as he believed the suspect was armed.
Role of the 45-year-old
Police testimony also outlined the alleged role of the 45-year-old woman in extracting money from the complainant.
According to the complaint, she initially told him she was experiencing marital problems and wanted to leave for Greece with him. She is also alleged to have feigned romantic interest in order to obtain money.
She later claimed she had a child with epilepsy and needed a substantial sum for medical tests by a visiting doctor from Israel. Police said they have not confirmed whether she has a child with epilepsy.
The suspect also requested money to settle gambling debts at a casino.
Sergeant Daniil said the 49-year-old frequently used threats and intimidation to force the complainant to give money to the woman.
In another alleged incident, the suspects arranged for the 77-year-old to travel to Athens to meet the woman, who ultimately did not appear, citing various excuses.
Threats and intimidation
The court heard that the 49-year-old showed the complainant a video on his mobile phone allegedly depicting him torturing individuals and placing a gun in one victim’s mouth, telling the 77-year-old: “See what I do to those who don’t pay.”
The officer said the video relates to a separate torture case pending before the Criminal Court.
In another instance, the complainant alleged that the 49-year-old threatened to kill him, saying “I’ll shoot you”, while also reporting that shots were fired at his home. He said he saw a vehicle resembling one used by the suspect leaving the scene.
Police further told the court that the assets acquired by the 44-year-old businessman between 2021 and 2025 do not appear consistent with his declared income.
Investigators said significant work remains, including taking around 50 statements from associates, family members and others connected to the suspects and the complainant. All suspects are expected to be questioned, while financial investigations are also planned.
Defence objection
Police requested eight-day detention orders for the 44-year-old, the 45-year-old and the 49-year-old, and a six-day order for the 42-year-old.
Defence lawyer Antonis Demetriou objected, arguing that the complainant’s allegations contain falsehoods. He said the 77-year-old himself faces a pending criminal case related to threats, scheduled for hearing on July 1 at Larnaca District Court.
“I am troubled by the uncritical acceptance of the complainant’s claims, when this individual has serious cognitive issues and suffers from Alzheimer’s,” Demetriou said, addressing the police witness.
The court had not announced its decision at the time of reporting.
