Police officer detained in Larnaca on suspicion of assisting a suspect in an extortion case

A police officer has been detained in Larnaca on suspicion of assisting a suspect in a violent incident that occurred in the city on January 17.

According to police, the arrest was carried out by the Internal Affairs Department. The officer served at one of the Larnaca police stations and, while on duty, was guarding a detainee in connection with another criminal case.

Investigators report that CCTV footage recorded the officer handing his mobile phone to one of the suspects, allowing him to use communication more than once, which constitutes a serious violation of service regulations.

An investigation has been launched against the police officer on several serious charges, including:

• abuse of authority,
• negligence,
• violation of protocols,
• actions indicating possible corruption.

According to media reports, the phone was handed to a 48-year-old Cypriot citizen, one of five suspects already charged in a case involving extortion and organized crime.

All five will appear before a criminal court. They are charged with:

• participation in a criminal organization,
• conspiracy to commit a serious crime,
• illegal possession of firearms,
• extortion,
• causing bodily harm.

According to police, the January 17 incident was linked to an attempt to extort money from a businessman operating on Grigorios Afxentiou Avenue. Initially, €7,000 was demanded, followed by a monthly “protection fee” of €1,000.

After the businessman refused, investigators say he was threatened with a knife and then attacked. During the confrontation involving an axe and metal rods, two shots were fired near the Larnaca police station.

The investigation is ongoing.