The Larnaca District Court ruled on Tuesday, following a three-day trial involving long hours of proceedings, that the 44-year-old businessman from Larnaca, who is accused of defrauding an elderly person of tens of thousands of euros, along with a 42-year-old businessman from Nicosia, a 49-year-old defendant, and a 45-year-old woman.

The four defendants were committed last Friday, June 19, to stand trial before the Larnaca Permanent Criminal Court, which is scheduled to convene on August 3.

Regarding whether or not to remand the businessman in question—who is also accused in a case of alleged witness tampering related to the shootings of January 17, 2026, in Larnaca— his defense attorney, Antonis Dimitriou, had filed an objection.

Specifically, in his closing argument yesterday, Mr. Dimitriou cited unequal treatment of his client, given that two other defendants were released, conditionally, while he also made pointed remarks about the police’s handling of the case.

For her part, the representative of the Prosecution had requested that the 44-year-old remain in custody, citing the risk of witness tampering.

In its ruling, the Larnaca District Court granted the prosecution’s request, finding “that there is a risk of witness tampering if the defendant is released.”

The 45-year-old was released on the following conditions: 150,000 euros with a creditworthy guarantor, to surrender her travel documents, to be placed on the stop list, and to report twice a week to the Oroklini police station. 

The 42-year-old man was released on the following conditions: 110,000 euros with a creditworthy guarantor, surrender of his travel documents, be placed on the stop list and report twice a week to the Agios Dometios Police Station, and 70,000 euros in cash. 

It should be noted that the 49-year-old is currently on trial at the Central Prisons for other cases being heard before the Larnaca Permanent Criminal Court.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a citizen who claims that for years he was subjected to pressure, threats, and financial exploitation by individuals allegedly acting as part of an organized group.

Investigators are examining a large volume of evidence, including bank transactions, checks, contracts, and bank statements.

The two men, aged 44 and 49, and the 45-year-old woman face a total of 14 charges, including participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit felonies and misdemeanors, abduction or unlawful deprivation of liberty, obtaining property by false pretenses, extortion, threats, illegal possession and transportation of firearms and explosives, as well as money laundering.

The 42-year-old faces 11 charges, which include participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit felonies and misdemeanors, abduction or deprivation of liberty for the purpose of covert and unjust confinement, inducing the execution of a document under false pretenses, extortion, threats, money laundering, and violation of the limit on large-sum cash transactions for goods or services.

It should be noted that criminal charges have been filed against a 49-year-old man and a 51-year-old man in a separate but related case, which involves alleged obstruction of a police investigation and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor.

Source: KYPE