An investigation into a violent confrontation on Grigori Afxentiou Avenue has exposed a widespread protection racket targeting businesses and nightclubs in Larnaca. Police have secured evidence that the daylight battle—involving axes, clubs, and iron bars—was sparked by a Greek Cypriot businessman’s refusal to pay “protection” fees to an organised crime syndicate.
The group, allegedly led by a 48-year-old Cypriot national currently under an eight-day remand, reportedly targeted the businessman two weeks ago. After an initial phone demand for a €7,000 lump sum followed by €1,000 monthly payments was rejected, the situation escalated into threats. On Saturday afternoon, a man of Arab descent confronted the businessman at his shop, leading to a heated argument and a knife threat outside a nearby fast-food outlet. Moments later, several vehicles arrived at high speed, discharging approximately 20 individuals who began beating the shop owner. The victim, supported by a relative and two friends, fought back with axes and iron bars. During the melee, members of the 48-year-old’s gang fired two gunshots in the crowded street, though no injuries from the gunfire were reported.
Police intelligence reveals the syndicate had been aggressively expanding its reach just days before the shootout. One week prior, the 48-year-old and 15 associates allegedly swarmed a nightclub to forcibly take over its security, though the staff refused. The following day, they successfully pressured a different venue into an agreement. Investigations show the gang charged owners €80 per guard, keeping €30 as a “protection” fee while paying the guard only €50. Furthermore, the 48-year-old faces new charges for the brutal beating of a European citizen in Pyla the day before the Larnaca incident, also linked to extortion. Despite a long criminal record and having recently been released on bail for other serious offences, the suspect continued to lead the group’s operations.
Authorities are currently hunting three foreign nationals of Arab origin, aged 35, 26, and 20, identified as key members of the gang. Police spokesperson Byron Byronos stated that the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is working to identify the remaining participants. During a raid on an apartment suspected of housing one of the fugitives, officers arrested three Palestinian nationals after discovering eight rounds of 9mm military ammunition. While two remain in custody, the third was released after no link to the case was found. Investigators at the scene of the brawl have recovered a vehicle and two spent shell casings, likely from a pistol.
