A National Guard contract soldier filmed himself flashing wads of cash and announcing he had “the money” from a Mackenzie nightclub—evidence that helped expose a three-year protection racket and a violent turf war between criminal organisations in Larnaca.
Nineteen videos on the 22-year-old soldier’s phones showed large cash sums, suspected drugs and payments from nightclub “protection,” leading police to arrest five men Thursday in a major operation targeting what investigators say is the second organised crime group battling for control of Larnaca’s nightlife.
The first gang’s existence emerged after last Saturday’s unprecedented shooting in Larnaca city centre. Police confirmed the two organisations are at war over nightclub protection money.
The criminal network allegedly operated for three years under what police described as “a state of violence and fear,” forcing nightclubs to accept their security guards whilst extracting huge sums. A 42-year-old Greek Cypriot allegedly heads the organisation, with members including the soldier, the leader’s 29-year-old brother, and two other men aged 31 and 29.
The videos, spanning 2023 to 2025, show the soldier displaying bundles of cash—one containing three €100 notes and numerous €50 notes—and hiding objects believed to be drugs. In one clip, he holds up money whilst saying: “Here you go mate, here you go mate, I’ve got the money from XXXXX,” naming a Mackenzie nightclub.
The soldier faces attempted murder charges for a 31 July attack on a 47-year-old businessman who is also in custody for interference in judicial proceedings related to the shooting investigation.
Police intelligence from 12 December 2025 identified the 42-year-old as heading a criminal organisation “operating in Larnaca with control of trafficking large quantities of drugs,” with the soldier executing deliveries and the leader receiving sales proceeds, according to court testimony. The same intelligence identified the 42-year-old as controlling the nightclub protection racket, with proceeds flowing to him.
Financial checks exposed the gap between the suspects’ declared income and their assets. Case investigator Angeliki Dagli told the court this created reasonable suspicion that criminal proceeds are kept as cash in their homes, adding that recent Larnaca events confirmed a rival organisation’s members are trying to dominate the city by seizing control of nightclub protection.
Thursday’s raids seized €1,050 cash, gold items, mobile phones, two bulletproof vests and two replica pistols from the suspects’ homes. Police found a firearm in one residence and impounded two vehicles.
All five face charges including participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit a felony, demanding property with threats, extortion and money laundering. The court implemented stringent security measures before reserving its decision until Monday on detention orders. All remain in custody.
In a separate hearing with armed police present, two well-known businessmen aged 47 and 43 were remanded for four days over the shooting investigation, facing charges of interference in judicial proceedings and conspiracy.
The 47-year-old faces an additional charge after police found €103,915 in cash and 42 cheques at his company offices, which he claimed were business receipts. Officers also discovered three unlicensed security guards working at his business.
The businessmen allegedly met the complainant separately on 21 January at a Larnaca hotel. According to police, the complainant told investigators the businessmen assured him they had no connection to the shooting but that the 47-year-old proposed a partnership.
The complainant said he knew the 43-year-old, having worked as a security guard at his home following last August’s criminal acts against the businessman—an attempted murder of another security guard and arson of company vehicles in Pyla tourist area.
The complainant initially told police a foreign national abroad demanded €7,000 for protection, then €1,000 monthly, but later changed his account, saying he did not know the foreign national. He attempted to return to the station multiple times that day to submit a supplementary statement but appeared frightened, police said.
Police will examine the 47-year-old’s financial institution accounts and conduct checks through Social Insurance Services and tax authorities.
The businessmen’s lawyer, Antonis Demetriou, told Omega TV that his clients have no gang connections, suggesting the developments may reflect police responding to public pressure.
The shooting case has resulted in the detention of a 48-year-old Cypriot, alleged to head a criminal organisation, and five foreign nationals. Three more remain wanted.
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