Cyprus Police continue to investigate shocking torture videos found on the mobile phone of a 48-year-old suspect connected to the 17 January incident outside Larnaca Police Headquarters.
On Saturday, the 48-year-old and a 27-year-old of Arab descent were remanded in custody for eight days, while police hunt a third individual. The videos provide critical evidence in the crackdown on organised crime.
Disturbing footage revealed
Investigators examined the suspect’s phones and found numerous videos and photos showing at least seven different victims enduring severe torture.
In the footage, the main suspect holds a pistol and places it in the mouth of a victim in two instances. In another clip, he strikes a victim on the head with a knife blade.
Police identified the torture room on the first floor of a casino in Pyla, linked to the 48-year-old suspect. The attacks occurred on several occasions throughout 2025.
Police identify victims and gather evidence
Authorities have identified three of the seven victims shown in the torture videos linked to the 48-year-old suspect. Investigators continue searching for the remaining four victims. According to court reports, victims endured brutal attacks either to extract money or force confessions regarding alleged crimes against the suspect. Previously, unknown assailants set fire to the suspect’s vehicle, and he claimed an assassination plot targeted him.
Over 3,000 files under review
Investigators are examining over 3,000 photos and videos recovered from the suspect’s two phones. Authorities warn the volume of material is large, and further arrests remain possible. Police also searched the casino office connected to the 48-year-old, seizing substantial evidence for forensic analysis.
Horrific abuse detailed
1st victim: The person sits on a grey sofa wearing shorts and a top, barefoot, with head injuries and a swollen right eye. The 48-year-old questions him about the car fire, punches him, insults him, spits on him, and later strikes him with a knife blade while threatening genital mutilation.
2nd victim: An expatriate seated on a chair faces repeated attacks. The first suspect hits him with a metal object demanding money in English, causing bleeding from the nose. The 27-year-old suspect and a wanted accomplice continue to beat him.
3rd victim: The first suspect places a gun in the victim’s mouth, assaults him, and shows him a photo on a phone, demanding recognition.
4th victim: The first suspect threatens the victim with a knife and sharpening tool over debts, striking the face and arm, while a wanted accomplice also assaults him.
5th victim: The suspect and a wanted accomplice beat the victim with a belt; the victim shows visible injuries and bleeding.
6th victim: Appearing in 16 videos, the victim suffers repeated blows, bleeding from the lips and face, while being questioned about alleged surveillance of the suspect’s home.
7th victim: The first suspect, holding a gold-coloured gun and knife, demands money, slaps, spits on, and continues to strike the victim. A second person also joins the assault.
Court proceedings and custody
The 48-year-old and the 27-year-old suspect remain in custody for eight days, as ordered by the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni. Evidence from the videos has been formally submitted during their remand hearing.
Also read: Larnaca: 48-year-old suspect rearrested; torture video uncovered
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