Court of Appeal upholds detention for five suspects in Larnaca criminal case

On February 27, 2026, the Court of Appeal rejected the appeals of five Greek-Cypriot defendants regarding their continued detention. The defendants are accused of belonging to a criminal organization involved in racketeering at nightclubs in Larnaca between 2023 and 2025. Charges against them include membership in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit a felony, extortion, and money laundering. On January 30, 2026, the Larnaca District Court ordered their detention until their appearance before the Assize Court, citing a flight risk for all defendants and an additional risk of reoffending for the second defendant. The defendants challenged this initial detention ruling, but the Court of Appeal found no errors in the lower court's decision. They remain in custody ahead of their scheduled appearance at the Larnaca Assize Court on March 19, 2026.