larnaca brawl — New details have emerged regarding the violent brawl and gunfire outside the Larnaca police headquarters, highlighting serious extortion claims that preceded the incident.
- larnaca brawl — New details have emerged regarding the violent brawl and gunfire outside the Larnaca police headquarters, highlighting serious extortion claims that preceded the incident.
- As the investigation continues, the 48-year-old is expected to face further charges related to the events leading up to the brawl.
Police have issued four arrest warrants in connection with the case, which involve three foreign nationals and a 48-year-old Cypriot, who was arrested at the hospital following injuries sustained during the altercation. A court has since ordered his remand in custody for eight days.
The troubling chain of events reportedly began two weeks prior to the brawl when the owner of a local car rental business received a menacing phone call from a withheld number. The caller, speaking broken Greek, demanded €6,000 initially, later raising the sum to €7,000, offering ‘protection’ for the business in return. The businessman, feeling threatened, refused the demands.
Days later, on January 13, 2026, while at a mechanic’s workshop, the businessman received another call from the same withheld number. The caller, again demanding money, was recognised by the complainant. Shortly after the call, a black vehicle arrived at the workshop, and two men emerged—one of whom was the caller. Both men approached the businessman in a threatening manner, prompting him to agree to pay to avoid further confrontation.
On January 16, the day before the brawl, the businessman received yet another threatening call. He firmly stated he owed no money, to which the caller ominously replied, “You will find out who I am.”
The following day, around 3.30pm, the violent confrontation unfolded outside the police headquarters. The complainant had just arrived at his business premises with a companion when the threatening caller appeared, demanding money and attempting to strike him. The complainant defended himself, and the assailant retreated, prompting the complainant to follow him towards the police station.
According to police reports, the suspect brandished a knife and approached the complainant threateningly. After returning to his business premises at the urging of his father, the complainant noticed the suspect again, shaking his head in a menacing manner.
Shortly thereafter, several vehicles arrived, and approximately 20 individuals disembarked, including the suspect and an accomplice on crutches. The 48-year-old demanded, “Give me the money I want, otherwise you will have problems. All the Ahmeds will come here.” When the complainant refused, a violent brawl erupted, involving fists and sticks.
During the chaos, it was reported that two gunshots were fired, resulting in head injuries for the 48-year-old, the complainant, and a relative of his. The police have identified three other individuals linked to the extortion and are pursuing their arrest in connection with the incident.
As the investigation continues, the 48-year-old is expected to face further charges related to the events leading up to the brawl.
