Larnaca, Cyprus. A police officer in Larnaca was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of aiding a suspect connected to a violent incident in the town earlier this month. The officer is under investigation over alleged misconduct caught on CCTV.
Arrest and CCTV footage
The internal affairs department arrested the officer, who is stationed at a Larnaca police station. Police said the officer was seen on CCTV handing his mobile phone to a suspect being detained at the station.
The officer was guarding the suspect, and appears to have let the suspect use his mobile phone on more than one occasion.
Allegations under investigation
The officer is being investigated on suspicion of abuse of power, dereliction of duty, breaching protocol, and dealings that point to corruption.
Link to January 17 incident and charges
Media reports said the officer handed his mobile phone to a 48-year-old Cypriot suspect, one of five suspects who have since been charged in connection with a violent incident in Larnaca on January 17.
The five are due to stand trial before a criminal court in a case involving racketeering. They face charges including conspiracy to commit a felony, illegal possession of a firearm, extortion, participation in a criminal group, and assault causing actual bodily harm.
Protection money demands cited by police
According to police, the January 17 incident stemmed from demands for protection money made to a businessman operating premises on Gregoris Afxentiou avenue. Police said the group initially demanded €7,000, followed by a monthly payment of €1,000.
What do you think the investigation will determine about the officer’s conduct?