protection racket — An investigation into a violent confrontation on Grigori Afxentiou Avenue has exposed a widespread protection racket targeting businesses and nightclubs in Larnaca. The violent clash, which involved axes, clubs, and iron bars, was triggered by a Greek Cypriot businessman’s refusal to pay “protection” fees to an organised crime syndicate.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
The group, allegedly led by a 48-year-old Cypriot national currently under an eight-day remand, reportedly approached the businessman two weeks ago. After demanding a €7,000 lump sum followed by €1,000 monthly payments, the situation escalated when the businessman rejected their demands. He was subsequently threatened.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
On Saturday afternoon, a man of Arab descent confronted the businessman at his shop, leading to a heated argument that escalated to a knife threat outside a nearby fast-food outlet. Moments later, several vehicles arrived at high speed, discharging approximately 20 individuals who began to assault the shop owner. The victim, with support from a relative and two friends, fought back using axes and iron bars.
During the ensuing melee, members of the 48-year-old’s gang fired two gunshots in the crowded street; fortunately, no injuries from the gunfire were reported. Police intelligence indicates that the syndicate had been aggressively expanding its reach just days before the shootout.
One week prior to the incident, the 48-year-old and 15 associates allegedly attempted to take over security at a nightclub forcefully, but the staff resisted. The following day, they successfully pressured another venue into compliance. Investigations reveal that the gang charged owners €80 per guard, keeping €30 as a “protection” fee while compensating the guard only €50.
Moreover, the 48-year-old faces additional charges for the brutal beating of a European citizen in Pyla the day before the Larnaca incident, which is also linked to extortion activities. Despite a lengthy criminal record and recently being released on bail for other serious offences, he continued to lead the group’s operations.
Authorities are currently seeking three foreign nationals of Arab origin, aged 35, 26, and 20, who have been identified as key members of the gang. Police spokesperson Byron Byronos confirmed that the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is working to identify the remaining participants involved in the violent confrontation.
In a recent raid on an apartment suspected to be housing one of the fugitives, officers arrested three Palestinian nationals after discovering eight rounds of 9mm military ammunition. Two of the suspects remain in custody while the third has been released due to a lack of evidence linking him to the case. Investigators at the scene of the brawl have recovered a vehicle and two spent shell casings, likely from a pistol.
