North Nicosia car dealer alleges threats before showroom arson

Nicosia, Cyprus. A used car dealer in north Nicosia said he received repeated threats and a demand for €400,000 before his business was targeted in an arson attack. Two young men were arrested in connection with the incident on Wednesday.

Threat allegations

Tolga Yesil, who runs the Tol Cars showroom, told Turkish Cypriot media that he had received threatening calls and messages six or seven times before the attack.

He said those making the demands warned that, if he did not pay €400,000, they would launch a social media campaign against him and his business. Yesil said posts attacking his reputation and business later began appearing on social media.

He also referred to messages from telephone numbers carrying the German calling code +49, including the phrase “uncle sends you greetings”.

Police report

Yesil said he reported the threats to police and provided a statement. About a month before the arson, he received another threatening call and handed his mobile phone to police for examination.

Showroom fire

The fire occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in the Trachonas area of north Nicosia.

According to Turkish Cypriot police, a vehicle inside the showroom was doused with a flammable substance and set alight. One car was destroyed and another was damaged after the flames spread.