Four individuals to face trial in Larnaca extortion case

Four individuals, including two businessmen aged 44 and 42, a 49-year-old inmate, and a 45-year-old woman, have been committed to trial before the Larnaca Permanent Assize Court on August 3. The defendants are charged with offenses including participation in a criminal organization, money laundering, conspiracy, extortion, and unlawful confinement. The prosecution alleges that the group extorted approximately two million euros from a 77-year-old victim through threats, psychological pressure, and intimidation. The 49-year-old, already in custody for other serious offenses, and the 44-year-old businessman remain detained, with the latter's lawyer objecting to his continued detention. The 42-year-old businessman and the 45-year-old woman were released on bail under strict conditions, including a travel ban, surrender of travel documents, and mandatory reporting to the police. The court rejected a request to recuse the judge overseeing the proceedings. The defendants reportedly used various tactics, including the alleged use of a 45-year-old woman as a romantic lure and video-recorded acts of torture to intimidate the victim.