prison orchestrated — A major raid has revealed a criminal syndicate allegedly operating from prison, linked to an attempted murder and arson attack on rental cars in Pyla.
- prison orchestrated — A major raid has revealed a criminal syndicate allegedly operating from prison, linked to an attempted murder and arson attack on rental cars in Pyla.
Police launched an operation at a warehouse in a remote Nicosia village, where they discovered the vehicle used in the attack that transpired on 14 August. The warehouse is believed to have been a hub for the criminal network involved in various recent crimes.
Prison orchestrated: Five Arrested in Connection with Violent Crimes
Authorities have arrested five men as part of the investigation. Among them are a 23-year-old suspected of arson, two 17-year-olds accused of shooting at a security guard and driving the getaway vehicle, a 27-year-old who allegedly provided the vehicle for the crime, and a 44-year-old convict currently residing in Central Prison.
The investigation has uncovered connections to several serious criminal activities in Larnaca during July and August. These include the attempted murder of a 49-year-old in Pyla, another attempted murder of a 47-year-old in Dromolaxia, a shooting incident involving a 25-year-old woman in Oroklini, and the arson of a car belonging to a 42-year-old in Aradippou.
Connections to Previous Crimes Emerge
One of the minors arrested also faces charges for vehicle arson from June, highlighting the ongoing nature of these violent incidents. At the time of his arrest, he was already under bail conditions for another matter.
Larnaca CID chief Giorgos Charalambous noted that while the investigation is progressing, further arrests cannot be ruled out. Authorities believe they have gathered most of the evidence needed to piece together the events surrounding the Pyla attack, which appears to be driven by motives of score-settling.
Breakthrough Arrests and Evidence Collection
A significant breakthrough in the case came with the accidental arrest of an 18-year-old in Paphos on 22 August. The youth allegedly stole a green saloon car from Kolossi and later confessed to selling two stolen vehicles to the 27-year-old suspect, who stated they were intended for use in “some jobs” orchestrated by the imprisoned 44-year-old.
Following this lead, police arrested the 27-year-old on 26 August in Anavargos, Paphos. Investigators believe he arranged the purchase of the stolen vehicle based on instructions from the convict, delivering it to the perpetrators just hours before the attack occurred.
Investigators Scrutinise Evidence
Authorities are now examining a CCTV screenshot from the 27-year-old’s mobile phone, which shows the vehicle handover location and the three suspects involved in the crime. Additionally, they are analysing seven mobile phones and reviewing clothing and other evidence seized from the homes of the arrested individuals.
Scene reconstructions have been carried out in both Paphos and Pyla under strict security protocols, following voluntary statements taken from suspects. This meticulous investigation highlights the commitment of law enforcement to dismantle the criminal network operating from within prison walls.