An alleged extortion case is drawing attention in the north after a car dealership owner claimed he received repeated threats and demands for $400,000 before his business was targeted in an apparent arson attack.
According to Turkish Cypriot media reports, Tolga Yeşil, owner of Tol Cars, said unidentified individuals had repeatedly threatened him and demanded money in exchange for protection before the attack on his dealership in north Nicosia.
Repeated threats reported
Yeşil said the intimidation campaign began well before the fire, involving threatening phone calls, messages and warnings that his reputation would be targeted on social media if he refused to pay.
According to his account, he received threats on six or seven separate occasions and had already reported the matter to police, providing statements about the incidents.
He alleged that the demand for $400,000 was accompanied by warnings that a social media campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and business would follow if he did not comply.
Social media pressure
The dealership owner claimed the threats later escalated beyond warnings, with posts appearing on social media targeting both him and his company.
He also said he had received messages from telephone numbers bearing the international +49 country code, which included the phrase: "Your uncle sends his regards."
"We are simply doing our job," Yeşil was quoted as saying.
According to his testimony, he received another threatening call about a month before the fire and subsequently handed his mobile phone to police for examination. He added that his financial records had also been reviewed by the relevant authorities.
Vehicle set on fire
The arson attack took place early on Tuesday in the Trachoni area of Nicosia.
According to "police" reports, a vehicle parked within the dealership was doused with a flammable substance and set alight.
One vehicle was completely destroyed, while a second sustained damage after the fire spread. Smoke damage was also reported to part of the dealership's roof.
Two arrests made
Two suspects, aged 19 and 20, were arrested in connection with the case after being located at Tymbou Airport.
"Authorities" are continuing to examine both the circumstances of the arson attack and whether the alleged threats and extortion demands are directly linked to the fire at the dealership.
