Gang war investigation in Larnaca leads to ten suspects facing trial

A series of violent incidents in Larnaca has exposed a conflict between two rival criminal factions fighting for control of protection rackets. On 17 January at 3:00 pm, two gunshots were fired outside a fast-food restaurant on Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue, leading to the arrest of ten alleged gang members, five from each faction. Investigations also revisited an attempted murder from 31 July in the Dromolaxia Industrial Area, where a 47-year-old businessman was targeted while riding a bicycle. In November, a 22-year-old National Guard soldier was arrested for the July shooting after DNA evidence and surveillance videos were discovered on his phone. These videos also depicted torture and led to the arrest of four additional men, aged 29 to 42, suspected of running a protection racket. Separately, two businessmen aged 43 and 47 were charged with attempting to influence a complainant to change his statement. Both businessmen were previously targets of criminal attacks and have been released on conditions pending trial. The police operation has uncovered a trail of drugs, torture, and organized criminal activity across the city.