Filenews 27 January 2026
A serious incident occurred in the early hours of the morning in Limassol, during a traffic check, when a motorcycle driver did not comply with a police signal, resulting in the injury of a probationary police officer and the chase and arrest of the driver.
On 27/1/26 at 01:00, four members of the Limassol Traffic Police, while conducting a traffic check on Kioproulouzate Street in Limassol (old port), signalled a motorcycle driver to stop. The driver did not comply, attempted a manoeuvre and hit, injuring a probationary police officer.
The motorcyclist was pursued by a member of Team Z and, after violating two red lights on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue, was finally stopped at the new port after a slight collision with the police motorcycle.
He was then arrested, resisting and attacking the member of Group Z. He was then subjected to an alcohol test, with a preliminary indication of 33 and a final indication of 14.
The cadet police officer was taken by ambulance to the Hospital, where it was found that he suffered a sprain of his right elbow and left shoulder, as well as multiple abrasions on the limbs.
The arrested person is a Greek citizen, aged 29.
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A case was registered, under draconian security measures, before the Larnaca District Court against the two well-known businessmen, 47 and 43 years old, who had been arrested as part of the investigations into the unprecedented incident of fighting and shooting on Saturday, January 17, which happened 100 meters away from the Police Station in Larnaca. The two face charges of interference in a judicial process and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, after allegedly having meetings with the complainant in the January 17 case, in order to convince him to change his testimony. In addition, the 47-year-old faces a charge of illegal possession of property, since €103.915 and 42 cheques worth €560.000 were found at the offices of his company for which, as it was told in court, there is a reasonable suspicion that they are stolen. The two businessmen replied that they do not plead guilty to the charges they face and the case was set for March 11, 2026.
The defendants were released on parole. The terms agreed are that they each pay €80,000 in cash and hand over their travel documents. In addition, twice a week they will appear at a police station, while their names will be placed on the stop list.
The two allegedly met on different occasions on January 21, together with the complainant. The first meeting, according to what had been mentioned in the Police's detention request, took place in a hotel in Larnaca last Wednesday morning. The meeting came to the attention of the Police who called the complainant to testify. He reportedly stated that the two businessmen assured him that they were not related to the case of the shooting. He also said, verbally, according to the Police, that the 47-year-old offered him to become his partner and that he knew the 43-year-old since after a criminal act against the businessman, he worked as a security guard in his home. It is noted that the criminal act was committed last August and concerns an attempted murder against another security guard and the arson of a company's cars owned by the 43-year-old businessman.
In the afternoon of the same day, the complainant rushed again to the Larnaca Police Department and wanted to deliver a typed supplementary statement, according to the Police, which he ultimately did not do. In this testimony, it was allegedly stated that the money for the protection of his property (he claimed that he was asked for €7.000 and then €1000 per month) was asked by a foreigner, who is abroad. Along the way, he allegedly changed his mind and verbally said that he did not know the foreigner in question. A little later, he returned to the Larnaca TAE with the aim of handing over the supplementary testimony again, which he ultimately did not do. According to what is stated in the detention request, the complainant was scared.
The Police arrested the two businessmen last Thursday. In an investigation carried out in the 47-year-old's company. The amount of €103,915, 42 cheques and the mobile phone were found and received as evidence. The businessman himself reportedly stated that these are receipts from his businesses.
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A case involving infant abuse is being investigated by the TAE Nicosia, after the diagnosis of shaken infant syndrome in a three-month-old boy.
According to information from the Police, the infant, who lives with his parents in Nicosia, was taken three days ago to Makarios Hospital in serious condition. After conducting medical examinations, the treating physicians concluded that the child suffers from Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Subsequently, the authorities were put on alert, with the investigators of the Nicosia Police Department proceeding to collect witness material. As part of the examinations, an arrest warrant was issued against the 28-year-old father of the infant, a foreigner, who was arrested.
The three-month-old boy is still being treated at Makarios Hospital, while the investigations of the Nicosia Police Department are ongoing, with the taking of statements and the investigation of all the circumstances under which his injury was caused.
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Kypros Michaelides considers it self-evident that the Police will attempt to contact the wanted Anna Fotiou (Annie Alexui) about what she claims in the case of Phaedon Fedonos and more. The former Chief of Police, who yesterday revealed that this is not the first time that a case of domestic violence involving the Mayor of Paphos has been investigated, considers that the case as it is developing is a good opportunity for all sides to prove that they acted legally. It is also an opportunity, he said, for the Police to prove that it can function properly.
Speaking on the show "Alpha Good Morning", the former Chief initially underlined three points. First, that everyone has the right to the presumption of innocence. Second, that no one is above the law. And third, that the investigation is a first-class opportunity to prove either the allegations of one side or the innocence of the other. He also pointed out that he would not want to expand further on what happened in the past, in order to protect the police investigation that is currently underway. He added that if he is asked to strengthen any deposit, he will gladly do so.
Regarding the verification of the authenticity of the data released on the internet and others, Kypros Michaelides believes that there is the professionalism, technology and previous experience for the Police to reach a good result. It will of course depend, as he noted, on the deposits that will be taken. Cases of domestic violence are difficult, according to Mr. Michailidis, who recommends caution in everyone's statements because they are also watching the children. He rang the bell so that people are not incriminated without sufficient testimony.
Asked if case files are destroyed after some time, the former Chief confirmed the existence of a relevant police order with a time frame. For some cases this is done at 5 years, for some at 10 and for some not at all, depending on the severity of each one. He believes that there will be something similar, even on computers or on the internet.
On whether there was friction during the period he was serving in the Police with cases of Anna Fotiou, the former Chief said that he does not remember her name since then and that he did not know her story until recently when he saw her on the internet. She added that she does not know exactly what has happened and the reasons why she sought asylum in Russia, but believes that her allegations (about her past) if not investigated should be investigated even now. He noted that he is talking about people that the whole of Cyprus knows, and at least for the restoration of these names, the allegations should be investigated, a statement should be made and responsibilities should be attributed where they exist.
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The alleged perpetrator of the attempted murder of a 31-year-old man in Larnaca last Friday was located and "arrested" in the occupied territories. According to the Turkish Cypriot media, the 30-year-old was "arrested" by the occupying authorities in an area in occupied Morphou.
According to the Police, actions were taken through the competent bi-communal committee and the suspect was handed over to the Larnaca TAE and taken into custody. In a village in the province of Famagusta, moreover, his vehicle was found abandoned. The suspect is expected to be brought before the Larnaca District Court tomorrow for the issuance of a detention order.
It is recalled that around 5.15 p.m. On Friday, information was received by the Police, about an injured person on a city street. Members of the Police went to the area where they located the victim, who had a wound to the abdomen. The injured person was taken to Larnaca General Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was kept for treatment. At the point where he was found, according to the Police, no traces of blood were found. However, bloody apartment keys were found, which appear to have fallen from his clothes.
In an adjacent apartment building, specifically in the stairwell, small blood stains were found. Based on the keys and the number written on them, a search warrant was issued. A quantity of crystalline substance, with a total gross weight of 6,5 grams, a bottle with traces of crystal substance, a grinder with traces of cannabis, a plastic container with traces of white powder, syringes, two precision scales and the sum of €300, which were received by YKAN were found inside the apartment.
No traces of blood were found inside the apartment and as it was found, the perpetrator stabbed the victim near the stairwell of an apartment building.
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The investigations of the TAE Larnaca regarding the two warring criminal groups, which are allegedly hiding behind the war to control the "protection" of Larnaca businesses, with one being investigated for drug trafficking, went into the deep end. Two investigative teams are looking into the declared financial data of those who have been arrested, while they are also looking for testimonies from owners of recreation centers, who were allegedly approached by the criminal groups.
The alleged members of one criminal group, five Greek Cypriots aged 42, 22, 31, 29 and 29, were remanded in eight-day detention yesterday by the Larnaca District Court. The Larnaca Court had reserved its decision, since during Friday's proceedings some of the suspects, through their lawyers, objected to their detention. In its decision, the Court stated that there is a "reasonable suspicion of the commission of the offenses".
The suspects face serious offenses for participation in a criminal organization, participation and acceptance of the commission of crimes, conspiracy to commit a felony, demanding property with threats for the purpose of theft, extortion, as well as money laundering.
Under the microscope of the Police is, according to information from "F", a notebook with names and amounts of money found during the searches at the home of the 42-year-old, alleged head of a criminal group providing protection and drug trafficking. In addition, a large part of the investigations focuses on the financial situation of the suspect, who, according to what was said in Court, declared earnings that were not in line with his assets.
It is recalled that for the alleged action of the criminal network, videos were found on two mobile phones that had been confiscated during the arrest of a 22-year-old contract soldier of the National Guard, who is on trial for the attempted murder on July 31 against a 47-year-old businessman. It is noted that the businessman in question is in custody for interfering in a court proceeding, in relation to the case of the shooting in the center of Larnaca on Saturday, January 17.
The videos found on the mobile phones depict various incidents from 2023-2025, in which SYOP allegedly displayed large sums of money and hid items, which are believed to be quantities of drugs. In fact, as it was told in Court, the 22-year-old defendant allegedly trafficked drugs with the proceeds ending up with the 42-year-old. As far as the provision of protection is concerned, a video was found in which the SYOP appears to show off money from the collection of a specific nightclub in the Mackenzie area.
The mobile phones of the suspects have been sent for forensic checks, while bulletproof vests have been sent for scientific examinations, as well as two cars allegedly involved in the offenses under investigation.
Where are the investigations into the second criminal group?
In relation to the second criminal organization, which was revealed after the unprecedented episode of shooting on the busiest avenue of Larnaca, the detention order of a 48-year-old man with Cypriot citizenship was renewed yesterday, for two days. This is the alleged leader of a group asking for money for protection, who was injured during the fight that preceded the shooting and was hospitalized.
It is noted that the suspect has been re-arrested for a case of beating and causing grievous bodily harm to a European citizen in Pyla, which happened a day before the incident in the center of Larnaca. In addition, the investigators of the case are looking for testimonies for information that reached the Police and bring the suspect and his team to try to get the protection of two entertainment centers in Larnaca on January 9 and 10. Among other things, the 48-year-old, who has engaged the Police many times in the past and has also served prison sentences, is suspected of conspiracy to commit a felony, extortion, demanding property with threats and participation in a criminal organization.
It is recalled that according to the complainant of a business on avenue. Gr. Afxentiou, the criminal group asked him for €7.000 for protection and then €1.000 euros per month. When he refused, according to his complaint, the 48-year-old together with a group of 20 people appeared on Saturday, January 17 at his business and asked him for money. Then, the complainant, together with a relative and two of his friends, reacted and counterattacked with an axe and crowbars. This was followed by two shots fired outside a fast food restaurant, with a pistol allegedly held by a member of the 48-year-old's team.
For the case, 4 other foreigners are in custody, while three others are wanted. It is noted that five foreigners were initially arrested, however, one was released. Both the 48-year-old and the 4 foreigners from Palestine and Jordan are expected to appear before the Court again next Wednesday.
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A case of fraud is being investigated by the Police, following a relevant complaint filed by a 30-year-old man.
According to the evidence under review, on January 23, 2026, the complainant was in an open area in Paralimni, where he was approached by two unknown persons, who offered to sell him mobile phones.
The 30-year-old was interested in four specific models and agreed to buy them for the sum of €2.000.
After the delivery of the four mobile phones took place, the complainant found that they were not authentic.
As part of the investigation of the case, testimony emerged against a 47-year-old man, who was arrested today, by virtue of an arrest warrant.
The arrested person is expected to be brought before the Famagusta District Court tomorrow, for the issuance of a detention order.
The TAE of Famagusta continues the exams.
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A serious incident of clash between foreigners took place last night, around 21:00, in the area of Agia Zoni in Limassol. According to information from the Police, after a relevant complaint, patrols of ADE Limassol immediately rushed to the scene, which proceeded to on-site examinations.
Blood stains were found at the scene, as well as a piece of iron with traces of blood and a pair of shoes.
Subsequently, 12 persons were found in an apartment in the area, including an 18-year-old, who had injuries to his head, legs and various other parts of his body.
An ambulance was called to the scene, which picked up and transported the 18-year-old to the Limassol General Hospital.
The examinations revealed that there was an incident between a number of persons, during which two other persons were injured, in addition to the 18-year-old.
All three injured were taken to Limassol General Hospital, where they received first aid and were discharged.
In a search of the apartment, two cricket bats were found, which had stains, possibly blood, and were taken as evidence.
Arrest warrants were issued against all 12 of the above persons and they were arrested to facilitate investigations.
The TAE Limassol continues the examinations.
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The dynamic and targeted preventive operations of the Police continued during last night, with an enhanced presence in key points of urban areas, with the aim of preventing serious criminal acts, protecting citizens and ensuring public order, according to an announcement.
According to the Police, as part of these operations, it proceeded to arrest a total of nineteen (19) persons on a nationwide basis, for cases involving serious criminal and other offenses.
Twelve (12) arrests concerned the offenses of fighting and rioting in the province of Limassol, while the other seven (7), offenses of illegal possession of drugs, illegal stay, exceeding the speed limit, etc.
At the same time, as part of the investigation of traffic offenses, six (6) vehicles were detained.
During the same night, extensive inspections were also carried out on a number of premises, with the aim of preventing and suppressing delinquent behaviours in a timely manner.
As far as the road network is concerned, more than 450 inspections were carried out, from which more than 120 traffic complaints emerged.
Of these, 45 were for exceeding the speed limit, while a driver was found driving his car at a speed of 190 HA instead of 100, as a result of which he was arrested, the Police said.
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A 29-year-old man from Bulgaria was sentenced to 14 years in prison last Friday by the permanent Criminal Court of Paphos for his horrific acts against two young women. He raped one woman twice while indecently attacking the other, and in court he cited the fact that he has been a drug user since he was 14 years old.
The Court, in a closed-door procedure, after analyzing on the one hand his personal circumstances, that he is the father of two minor children and on the other hand what he heinously admitted, decided to send him to the Central for a total of 14 years, stressing that the sentences for such crimes must be exemplary.
The accused, 27 years old at the time, had managed to enter through the skylight the apartment of the two foreign women who had come to Cyprus and worked in a hotel unit, half an hour before midnight, on 14/9/2023. One of the young women woke up and asked him to leave, which he did. In the early hours of the next morning, he returned and after he managed to enter their apartment again, he asked them not to turn on the light and to be quiet. He then told them that he wanted to have sex with them. The accused walked towards one of the women and despite the fact that she repeatedly asked him to leave their apartment and that she did not want to have sex with him, nor did she want him to touch her and that she was afraid of him, he insisted. The accused, despite the fact that the woman resisted and tried to push him away, laid her down on the bed and at the same time indecently attacked her roommate, against her will, who was also in bed.
He then raped one woman twice, while the other girl had managed to turn on her phone and record the whole incident without the accused noticing. The two complainants did not cry out for help while the accused was in their apartment, fearing that he could harm them and harm them further, since it appeared to them that he was under the influence of drugs.
On the same day, they filed a complaint with the Police, while the accused had been arrested in another case and the genetic material taken from him was identified with DNA found in evidence in the apartment of the two women. He was arrested five months later in the Central Prison where he was on trial in another case.
The 29-year-old also admitted charges related to another case of breaking into a house and stealing a phone and gold. The accused managed to sneak into the house of a woman in Paphos while she was sleeping and steal the items mentioned above. During the burglary of the house, the accused had forgotten his shoes.
According to the Criminal Court, the fact that he committed the offenses at a time when he was under the influence of drugs was taken into account as a mitigation to the accused. " Under the circumstances of the case, we recognize that the use of drugs blunted the defendant's judgment and reduced self-control, which we count in his favour," the three judges note. According to a report by the Welfare Office, he started occasionally using addictive substances at the age of 14, while after moving to Cyprus he also tried hard drugs.
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