A court has ordered the psychiatric detention of a 62-year-old suspect alleged to have played a leading role in the so-called “Group of 80,” which is at the centre of police investigations by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters.
The suspect, who was arrested alongside a 45-year-old fugitive, Costas Patsalides, underwent a psychiatric evaluation, and the Nicosia District Court issued an order for “compulsory hospitalisation in a secure psychiatric centre of temporary duration.”
This was revealed by the CID investigator during a court hearing on Wednesday, where police sought an extension of the suspects’ detention orders in connection with the case.
According to a government psychiatrist who examined the 62-year-old suspect at the request of the police, specific findings led to the issuance of the psychiatric order on Monday.
Testimony presented during the hearing, attended by Philenews, indicated that key figures within the group allegedly received financial compensation to handle the cases of distressed borrowers with problematic loan agreements.
Witnesses claim the 62-year-old suspect and the fugitive Patsalides demanded payments ranging from €50 to €700 from individuals struggling with loans. These allegations are currently under assessment by investigators.
Authorities suspect the group members of multiple offences, including obtaining goods by false pretences and money laundering.
Meanwhile, in a related development, police have arrested a 72-year-old man whose residence was allegedly used by the fugitive to record a video. Two additional arrest warrants have also been issued.
The court hearing for the renewal of the 43-year-old female suspect’s detention order, along with that of the 62-year-old, is ongoing. Defence lawyer Christos Neophytou argued that the evidence presented does not implicate his client in any criminal activity. However, public prosecutor Eleni Konstantinou maintained that reasonable suspicion against the suspect is supported by police testimony, justifying the request for her continued detention.
Nicosia District Judge Andreas Loizou is expected to issue a ruling within the hour.
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