A police officer has been placed in four-day remand following his arrest on suspicion of giving his mobile phone to a detainee while on duty in Larnaca. The case is connected to an ongoing investigation into a shooting incident that occurred earlier this month near police headquarters.
Arrest and court proceedings
The officer was arrested on Thursday evening and appeared before the Larnaca District Court on Friday morning. The court approved a four-day remand request submitted by the prosecution.
The defence lawyer opposed the request, arguing that the proceedings should be held in public due to their broader public interest. The court ruled, however, that the case would be heard behind closed doors under Article 12, citing the need to protect matters related to the official duties of service members.
Allegations under investigation
According to the Police, the officer is being investigated for a series of alleged offences, including abuse of power, fraud, transporting a mobile phone into detention facilities, dereliction of duty, bribery and corruption.
The arrest forms part of a broader investigation linked to a shooting in central Larnaca earlier this month.
Legislative context on mobile phones in detention
The case comes a day after the House of Representatives of Cyprus approved legislation criminalising the possession and use of mobile phones in central prisons.
Amendments to the Prisons Law introduce penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to €6,000, or both, for anyone, including detainees and members of the public, found in possession or use of mobile phones.
Stricter penalties apply to prison staff, who face up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to €10,000, or both. The legislation also covers the possession, trafficking, import or export of other prohibited items or substances.
Related criminal case in Larnaca
Five men were arrested earlier this month following a violent brawl and shooting near Larnaca police headquarters on January 17. Their trial is scheduled to begin on March 16.