Cyprus Police have arrested a well-known businessman in connection with the violent clash that took place in the centre of Larnaca last Saturday, as investigations continue into alleged organised crime and protection rackets operating in the area.
According to police sources, the arrest was carried out a short while ago as part of the ongoing investigation into the bloody confrontation, which is believed to be linked to cases of providing “protection” to businesses.
The suspect is a person known to law enforcement authorities. In July last year, he was the target of an attempted murder, although he escaped the attack without injury.
At the same time, police have launched a large-scale operation by the Larnaca Crime Investigation Department, carrying out searches at various premises across the city and the wider Larnaca district. So far, ten individuals have been arrested. It is clarified that these arrests and searches are not directly connected to the specific Larnaca clash, but relate to separate cases involving organised crime.
Authorities also recalled that, in relation to the same incident, five individuals of Arab origin remain in custody under court orders, along with a 48-year-old Cypriot national. The latter is currently being treated at Larnaca General Hospital after sustaining serious head injuries during the confrontation.
Police consider the 48-year-old to be the leader of the group involved in the violent clash, which took place last Sunday and reportedly centred on the sale of “protection” services to businesses and nightclubs in exchange for large sums of money.
Investigations are ongoing, while police are also seeking additional suspects believed to be connected to the incident.