Court adjourns criminal organisation trial until September 16

The Larnaca Permanent Criminal Court has adjourned the trial of four men accused of participating in a criminal organisation until September 16. During a previous hearing, the court ordered the release of three defendants—a 42-year-old and two 29-year-olds—on bail following substantial amendments to the indictment that saw several charges removed. The released men must each provide a €30,000 bond, surrender their travel documents, report to a police station three times a week, and are subject to a travel ban. A fourth defendant, a 22-year-old contract soldier, remains in custody; he also faces charges related to the attempted murder of a businessman. A 32-year-old suspect was previously acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The underlying investigation relates to a January 22 police operation targeting an alleged extortion, violence, and money laundering syndicate, linked to a violent clash near the Larnaca police headquarters on January 17.