**Charges Dropped Against Three Defendants in Organised Crime Case**
Larnaca, Cyprus – The Larnaca permanent criminal court has adjourned a significant case involving allegations of organised crime to November 23, following a major amendment to the indictment by prosecutors. The case originally involved four defendants, but recent developments have led to the release of three of them on bail.
At a previous hearing, the court accepted objections from the defence regarding the continued detention of a 42-year-old man and two 29-year-old men. As a result, these three defendants were granted bail, while a 22-year-old member of the police special forces unit, known as SYOP, remains in custody. This individual faces a separate charge of attempted murder related to a well-known businessman.
The fourth defendant, a 32-year-old man, was acquitted earlier in the proceedings due to a lack of sufficient evidence against him. The remaining defendants now face serious charges, including money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation. Specifically, the 42-year-old is charged with money laundering, while the two 29-year-olds are also facing additional allegations of aiding and abetting money laundering.
The defendants were arrested on January 22 as part of a police operation targeting organised crime in Larnaca, which included searches at their residences and at the central prisons. During these searches, authorities discovered various items, including €1,050 in cash, jewellery of unknown value, mobile phones, two bulletproof vests, two pistols, and a baseball bat. Additionally, two vehicles were seized for further investigation by the Larnaca traffic police department.
A firearm was located during the search of one residence, leading to the arrest of one of the 29-year-olds, who was found to be in possession of the weapon without a proper licence. This incident is part of a broader investigation by the Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into organised criminal activities in the district. The ongoing inquiry has also encompassed separate cases involving allegations of a protection racket, torture, abduction, and a shooting incident that occurred outside police headquarters in January.
As the case continues to unfold, the court's adjournment allows time for further legal proceedings and examination of the new indictment. The outcome of the upcoming hearing on November 23 will be closely monitored, given the serious nature of the allegations and the implications for those involved.