Criminal group uncovered in Larnaca: five people arrested

Cyprus police have arrested five Greek Cypriots aged between 22 and 42 during a large-scale operation. They are suspected of involvement in an organized criminal group that for three years was engaged in extorting protection money from nightclubs and trafficking drugs.

A key figure in the case is a 22-year-old National Guard contract soldier who had previously been an accused person in an attempted murder case. Investigators believe he is linked to a conflict between two criminal groups over control of the nightlife scene.

During searches, police discovered 19 video recordings (2023–2025) showing large sums of cash and hidden stashes of suspected narcotics. In one of the videos, a suspect states that the money was obtained from a nightclub in the Mackenzie area of Larnaca.

According to investigators, the 42-year-old detainee is the head of the criminal network operating in Larnaca and surrounding areas. The investigation is ongoing.