Larnaca court extends detention in Pyla office torture video case

The Larnaca District Court has extended for five days the detention of a 48-year-old Cypriot and a 27-year-old Palestinian, suspects in a case involving a series of brutal beatings recorded on video in an office in the Pyla area.

According to police, 25 video recordings capturing scenes of violence were found on the mobile phones of the first suspect. Investigators believe the victims were beaten, threatened with weapons, and forced to make confessions or hand over money.

What the investigation knows:

The investigation is being conducted by the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The 48-year-old suspect was re-arrested on February 6. He was previously involved in a case regarding a shooting and mass brawl in central Larnaca on January 17.

Currently:

• the identities of at least four victims have been established,
• another man is currently abroad,
• police are searching for a third suspect,
• the possible involvement of other individuals is being checked.

One of the victims stated that under threat, he signed documents transferring his car to a third party. Other victims reported bodily injuries and seeking medical assistance.

What is recorded on the videos:

According to materials presented in court, the recordings demonstrate:

• beatings with hands and metal objects,
• knife wounds and threats with weapons,
• a pistol being placed in a victim's mouth,
• humiliation and extortion of money,
• strikes to the face and body accompanied by bleeding.

Investigators are also searching for two pistols, knives, and other objects seen in the footage. CCTV footage from Pyla is being studied, and hospitals and private clinics are being checked for visits by potential victims.

Police intend to question approximately 15 more witnesses. The investigation continues.