Police investigators in Larnaca are examining extensive video evidence allegedly showing severe assaults and torture of at least seven individuals at a casino in Pyla during 2025. The footage was reportedly found on the mobile phones of a 48-year-old man already facing multiple serious criminal cases, as authorities continue investigations into organised crime linked to protection rackets.
Discovery of video material during police investigations
According to the Larnaca CID, officers were shocked by the content discovered on two mobile phones belonging to a 48-year-old suspect, who is already in custody in connection with the violent incident of 17 January outside the central police station in Larnaca and for alleged participation in a criminal organisation. Investigators say the material includes numerous videos and photographs depicting extreme violence against several individuals.
Allegations of abuse at Pyla casino
Police told the court that the videos show at least seven people being held against their will and violently assaulted inside a casino in Pyla, which is reportedly linked to the 48-year-old suspect. In the footage, the suspect and another individual allegedly beat victims, threatened them with firearms and knives, and caused bodily harm. In some recordings, the suspect is seen holding a handgun and placing it in victims’ mouths while issuing threats.
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred on different dates during 2025. Some victims have already been identified, while efforts continue to establish the identities of others.
Court proceedings and offences under investigation
The 48-year-old suspect and a 27-year-old man of Arab origin were brought before the Famagusta District Court on Saturday and were remanded in custody for eight days. The offences under investigation include conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession and transport of a firearm, kidnapping, torture, causing grievous bodily harm, carrying a weapon to cause fear, and possession of a knife.
Police also confirmed that a third individual is being sought in connection with the cases and is believed to have been involved in the 17 January shooting incident.
Details described by police investigators
In one of the videos, lasting 58 seconds, a victim is seen sitting on a sofa with a swollen eye and visible head injuries, while being punched, insulted and spat on. Investigators stated that at one point the victim appeared to lose bladder control during the assault. Other footage reportedly shows the same victim being struck with a knife blade, as well as threats involving burning the victim’s genital area.
Additional recordings allegedly depict victims crying, collapsing from chairs after repeated blows, being threatened with firearms, knives being sharpened in front of them, and being struck with belts and blades while bleeding and pleading for the violence to stop.
Multiple criminal cases pending
The 48-year-old suspect is described by police as having an extensive criminal record. He is already awaiting trial before the Assize Court for the violent incidents of 17 January in central Larnaca, where he is alleged to have led a group demanding money from a business owner in exchange for protection. He is also a defendant, alongside four Greek Cypriots, in a separate case concerning the formation of a criminal organisation allegedly involved in protection rackets and drug trafficking.
Police are now preparing an additional case file relating to the alleged torture and assaults, which is expected to be referred to the courts as investigations continue.