Police arrested a well-known businessman in connection with the violent clash that erupted in Larnaca last Saturday, according to information.
At the same time, the Larnaca Crime Investigation Department (CID) launched a large-scale operation, carrying out searches at multiple premises across the city and district. Authorities have arrested 10 people so far.
Court orders eight-day remand
On Monday, the Larnaca District Court ordered the eight-day detention of five individuals arrested last Sunday over the clash and the firing of shots in central Larnaca on Saturday afternoon.
Investigators received information linking the five suspects to the incident. Four acknowledged being present at the scene, while the fifth claimed he had an alibi.
Defence objections raised
A lawyer representing two of the suspects objected to the eight-day detention, arguing they happened to be in the area by chance. He questioned why police had not arrested individuals seen on video footage attacking people and vehicles with an axe and metal bars.
The lead investigator told the court that police remain at an early stage of the investigation and continue to analyse CCTV footage. Officers plan to question anyone identified as committing offences.
One suspect also challenged his detention, arriving at court on crutches and insisting he was not at the scene. Police, however, stated they hold testimony indicating that a person struck one of the complainants with crutches after demanding money for protection.
Organised crime under investigation
Among those arrested are two brothers, while police continue to search for their third brother. The Larnaca CID is investigating offences including participation in a criminal organisation, conspiracy to commit a felony, extortion, blackmail, acceptance and commission of criminal acts, and money laundering.
Investigators believe the offences took place between 2023 and 2025 in the Larnaca district.
Weapons, cash and vehicles seized
Police secured testimony implicating five individuals aged 42, 22, 31, 29 and 29. On 22 January 2026, authorities issued arrest and search warrants for the suspects, their homes and their vehicles.
A coordinated operation involving the CID, MMAD, the Larnaca Police Division, the Drug Law Enforcement Unit and the Rapid Deployment Unit led to the arrest of the five suspects.
During searches of their homes, police seized €1,050 in cash, jewellery of undetermined value, mobile phones, two bulletproof vests, two imitation pistols, a collapsible baton and other items under examination. Officers also seized two vehicles and transferred them to the Larnaca Police Division for further checks.
During one house search, officers located and seized a firearm. Investigators later confirmed that the suspect did not hold a licence to possess the weapon and re-arrested him for illegal possession of a firearm.
More arrests and court appearances
Police arrested a 22-year-old suspect at Central Prisons on the same day, where he remains in remand custody.
The five suspects are expected to appear today before the Larnaca District Court, where judges will decide on detention orders.
Investigators also secured evidence against two suspects for conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour and interference with judicial proceedings, among other offences.
In a separate coordinated operation, officers from the CID, the Larnaca Police Division and the Headquarters Drug Law Enforcement Unit arrested a 47-year-old man at his company offices. A court-authorised search uncovered a large sum of cash and several bank cheques.
Police also arrested three individuals aged 44, 50 and 38, who allegedly acted as unlicensed security guards at the premises and possessed radio communication devices. Officers seized a test vehicle driven by one of the guards for further examination.
Later the same day, police arrested a 43-year-old man at his residence.
The 47-year-old and the 43-year-old are also due to appear today before the Larnaca District Court for remand hearings.
Police also recalled that six individuals arrested earlier over the shooting incident and clash on 17 January 2026 remain in eight-day detention.
Also read: Five arrested in Larnaca clash, four suspects still at large
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
