Larnaca CID arrested four people on Wednesday in a coordinated operation across Larnaca and Nicosia districts on suspicion of organised crime, kidnapping, extortion, weapons offences and money laundering.
A complaint by an elderly man who alleged he was extorted out of money between 2021 and 2024 — including through threats — triggered the major organised crime operation across Larnaca and Nicosia districts, according to Phileleftheros sources.
The operation, carried out by Larnaca CID in coordination with other police units, resulted in the arrest of four suspects: a 44-year-old businessman from Larnaca, a 42-year-old businessman from Nicosia, a 49-year-old remand prisoner held in Central Prison, and a 45-year-old woman. According to police sources, the case relates to the sale of a field in Larnaca district.
Three of the four suspects have prior histories with the authorities.
The 44-year-old Larnaca businessman was free on bail at the time of his arrest, facing charges alongside a 47-year-old in a case of alleged attempted witness intimidation. The alleged victim in that case is the complainant in a serious shooting incident in central Larnaca on January 17.
The 49-year-old remand prisoner faces charges in the same witness intimidation case and is also on trial in connection with an unprecedented case of torture at a Pyla casino, in which videos were allegedly found on his phone, according to police.
The 42-year-old Nicosia businessman is an accountant who has previously been investigated in connection with financial offences.
The 45-year-old woman, who is from a village in the Larnaca district, is also alleged to have extorted money from the elderly complainant.
All four face a sweeping range of charges, including participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit a felony, kidnapping and unlawful deprivation of liberty, obtaining property by false pretences, demanding property with menaces, blackmail, threat of violence, unlawful possession and carrying of a Category B firearm and explosives, and money laundering.
Following the arrests, police searched a number of premises and seized exhibits.
All four are expected to appear before Larnaca District Court tomorrow, June 11, where police will seek remand orders.
Larnaca CID is continuing its investigation.
