Larnaca, Cyprus. Police have arrested a 49-year-old Greek Cypriot man in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged criminal organisation operating in the Larnaca district, authorities said on Monday. He was arrested on suspicion of interfering with judicial proceedings linked to a separate case under investigation by Larnaca CID.
Arrest and wider investigation
The 49-year-old suspect was arrested by officers from Famagusta CID. Police said he is the brother of a 44-year-old Larnaca businessman who is already in custody.
Four suspects were arrested last Wednesday during a coordinated operation involving Larnaca CID and other police departments and units. Those arrested were three men aged 44, 42 and 49, and a 45-year-old woman.
The investigation concerns a series of alleged offences committed in Larnaca and the wider district between 2021 and 2024.
Offences under investigation
According to police, the 44-year-old businessman and the newly arrested 49-year-old are being investigated for 14 offences. These include participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit a felony, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour, kidnapping and unlawful deprivation of liberty, obtaining property through false representations, extortion, threats of violence, illegal possession and transportation of a Category B firearm, illegal possession and transportation of explosives without a permit, and money laundering.
Police said the 42-year-old suspect is being investigated for 11 offences, including participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy offences, extortion, threats, money laundering and breaches of legislation governing large cash transactions.
Court testimony
Court proceedings heard that the complaint was filed on March 5, 2026, by the alleged victim.
According to testimony presented before the court, the complainant and his brother-in-law sold two properties in Pyla to a company directed by the 42-year-old businessman from Nicosia on December 1, 2021. Each seller reportedly received €250,000 upon signing the contracts.
Approximately one month later, the complainant allegedly met the 44-year-old businessman from Larnaca, who introduced him to an unidentified individual. The businessman allegedly said he had already arranged the resale of the two properties to another buyer for €8.5 million and that a profit of €250,000 remained available as commission.
The complainant told investigators he became concerned by the behaviour of the unidentified individual and, fearing the influence of the businessman, eventually handed over €40,000 in cash.