On July 23 and 24, 2026, authorities in Nicosia investigated a viral TikTok livestream that depicted a minor with Down syndrome being encouraged to perform indecent acts. Following public outrage and pressure on law enforcement, police initially arrested two women and subsequently a third suspect on Thursday, July 23, in relation to the incident.

The legal proceedings faced significant setbacks as the Nicosia District Court rejected a police application to remand the first two suspects, leading to their immediate release. Following further questioning, the third suspect was also released from custody. Authorities have provided conflicting information regarding the arrests, as early reports of the two women being in custody were later corrected, and no official explanation was provided by police or the Ministry of Justice regarding the failure of the remand request.

The investigation into the incident, which occurred approximately two months prior to the arrests, is being conducted by the cybercrime unit. Despite the release of all three individuals, the legal proceedings remain ongoing while authorities process the gathered evidence.