Detention renewed for two suspects in Larnaca torture video case

On February 6, the Larnaca District Court renewed the detention of a 48-year-old Cypriot citizen and a 27-year-old Palestinian man for an additional five days. The investigation follows the discovery of 25 videos on the 48-year-old's mobile phone depicting the torture of seven individuals at a casino office in Pyla. These victims were allegedly beaten to extract confessions for alleged crimes against the suspect or to extort money. Investigators have identified four victims, with one reporting the forced transfer of a vehicle and another identifying the primary suspect in the footage. The 48-year-old was already in custody regarding a separate shooting and brawl in Larnaca that occurred on January 17. Authorities are currently searching for at least one other identified suspect and working to identify further members of the organized group. Some victims have reportedly expressed fear regarding providing formal written testimony due to the group's violent methods. The police investigation into the organized criminal circuit involving violence, kidnapping, and extortion remains ongoing.