Pyla, Cyprus. Police said on Monday they had intensified an investigation into an organised criminal syndicate after uncovering videos showing the torture of at least seven people inside a casino in Pyla.
Footage found on suspects’ phones
The footage, described in court as “shocking and degrading”, was found on two mobile phones belonging to a 48-year-old who is already on remand over a violent brawl and shooting outside Larnaca police headquarters on January 17.
Expanding list of alleged offences
The 48-year-old, who has a long criminal record, is now facing an expanding list of offences including kidnapping, torture, conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession and transport of firearms, and causing grievous bodily harm.
Videos recorded during 2025
According to Larnaca CID, the videos were recorded on multiple dates during 2025 and depict victims being held against their will inside what investigators referred to in court as an “office from hell” on the first floor of the casino.
Material under review and additional arrests
Officers are examining more than 3,000 photos and videos seized from the suspects’ phones, with police saying the scale of the material points to sustained and systematic abuse.
A 27-year-old was remanded in custody for eight days on Sunday in connection with the torture case. Police are also searching for a third person, a foreign national, believed to have taken part in the assaults and in the January shooting.
Allegations shown in recordings
Investigators told the court the videos show victims being beaten, threatened with firearms and knives, and forced to hand over money or confess to alleged offences.
In one recording, a man is seen with a swollen eye and visible head injuries as the 48-year-old punches him, insults him and spits in his face. At one point, the victim appears to urinate during the assault.
In a continuation video, the suspect strikes the man on the head with a knife as he screams, threatening to mutilate him.
What developments will investigators report next as they review the seized videos and photographs?