Police in Larnaca are examining a notebook containing names and cash amounts seized during searches at the home of a 42-year-old man suspected of leading a criminal gang involved in protection rackets and drug trafficking.
Two investigative teams from Larnaca CID are scrutinising the declared financial records of those arrested whilst seeking testimonies from entertainment venue owners allegedly approached by the criminal groups.
Five Greek Cypriots—aged 42, 22, 31, 29, and 29—suspected of belonging to one criminal gang were placed in eight-day detention yesterday by the Larnaca District Court.
The court had reserved its decision after some suspects, through their lawyers, objected to their detention during Friday’s proceedings. In its ruling, the court stated there was “reasonable suspicion for the commission of the offences.”
The suspects face serious charges including participation in a criminal organisation, participation and acceptance of committing crimes, conspiracy to commit a felony, demanding property with threats with intent to steal, extortion, and money laundering.
A major part of the investigation focuses on the 42-year-old’s financial status, who, according to what was stated in court, declared income that does not match his assets.
Videos were found on two mobile phones seized during the arrest of the 22-year-old contract soldier with the National Guard, who is on trial for the attempted murder on 31 July of a 47-year-old businessman.
That businessman is currently in detention for interference with judicial proceedings related to the shooting incident in central Larnaca on Saturday, 17 January.
The videos found on the phones depict various incidents from 2023-2025 in which the contract soldier allegedly displays large amounts of cash and conceals items believed to be quantities of drugs.
According to what was stated in court, the 22-year-old defendant allegedly dealt drugs with the proceeds going to the 42-year-old.
Regarding the protection racket, a video was found showing the contract soldier apparently displaying money from collecting from a specific nightclub in the Mackenzie area.
The suspects’ mobile phones have been sent for forensic checks, whilst bulletproof vests and two cars allegedly involved in the offences under investigation have been sent for scientific examination.
Second criminal gang investigation
Regarding the second criminal organisation, revealed after the unprecedented shooting incident on Larnaca’s busiest avenue, the detention order for a 48-year-old with Cypriot nationality was renewed yesterday for two days.
He is the suspected leader of a gang demanding protection money who was injured during the brawl that preceded the shooting and was hospitalised.
The suspect has been re-arrested for a case of assault and causing grievous bodily harm against a European citizen in Pyla, which occurred one day before the incident in central Larnaca.
Additionally, investigators are seeking testimonies regarding information received by police alleging the suspect and his gang attempted to take over the protection of two entertainment venues in Larnaca on 9 and 10 January.
Among other things, the 48-year-old, who has occupied police attention many times in the past and has served prison sentences, is considered a suspect for conspiracy to commit a felony, extortion, demanding property with threats, and participation in a criminal organisation.
According to the complainant from a business on Grigori Afxentiou Avenue, the criminal gang demanded €7,000 for protection and then €1,000 monthly.
When he refused, according to his complaint, the 48-year-old along with a group of 20 people appeared at his business on Saturday, 17 January and demanded money.
The complainant, together with a relative and two friends, reacted and counterattacked with an axe and crowbars. Two shots were then fired outside a fast-food restaurant with a pistol allegedly held by a member of the 48-year-old’s gang.
Four other foreign nationals remain in detention for the case, whilst three others are wanted. Initially, five foreign nationals were arrested; however, one was released. Both the 48-year-old and the four foreign nationals from Palestine and Jordan are expected to appear in court again next Wednesday.
Cyprus has revoked the international protection status of the Palestinians involved in the violent street brawl.
Two businessmen return to court
Two well-known businessmen, aged 47 and 43, who were arrested as part of the investigations into the shooting incident, will be brought before Larnaca District Court today after they had meetings with the complainant and allegedly asked him to change his testimony.
The two, who are in detention, are expected to be charged with interference with judicial proceedings and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour.
According to police, the two businessmen met with the complainant last Wednesday and, according to what he allegedly said, assured him they had no connection to the shooting case.
He also stated, as referenced in the detention order filed in court, that the 47-year-old proposed he become his partner and that he knew the 43-year-old, as after a criminal act against him, he worked as a security guard at his home.
The criminal act was committed last August and concerns an attempted murder against another security guard and arson of vehicles belonging to a company owned by the 43-year-old businessman.
The complainant rushed to Larnaca CID twice last Wednesday to give supplementary testimony, according to which, as stated in court, the protection money was demanded by a foreign national who is not in Cyprus.
Subsequently, however, he allegedly stated he did not know that person. The two businessmen deny any involvement in the case.
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