Philenews

Torture Videos in Illegal Casino: Defendants to Stand Trial – Three Cypriots and Three Foreign Nationals Victims

Published February 20, 2026, 12:18
Torture Videos in Illegal Casino: Defendants to Stand Trial – Three Cypriots and Three Foreign Nationals Victims

Two men, a 48-year-old Cypriot and a 27-year-old Palestinian, have been referred to trial before the Larnaca Permanent Criminal Court for horrific torture captured in videos at an illegal casino in Pyla. The 48-year-old is already on trial for a shooting and assault in Larnaca and Pyla respectively. They face charges of conspiracy, illegal possession of weapons, torture, kidnapping, causing grievous bodily harm, and participation in a criminal organization, among others. The 48-year-old is also charged with inciting the execution of a document and refusing to provide DNA. The torture, which took place between June 2025 and September 2025, was revealed when police arrested the 48-year-old for the previous offenses and found the videos on his mobile phones. Initially, it was estimated that there were seven victims, but the investigation showed that there were six, with one person being abused on two different dates. The victims were three Cypriots and three foreigners. According to testimonies, the victims were tortured in order to "confess" to crimes against the 48-year-old or to pay off debts. Four of the victims have already been located and testified, with one stating that he transferred his vehicle under threat. Another victim identified himself in the videos, while the sixth victim is abroad. The police continue to search for another person who is alleged to be involved in both the torture and the shooting. The case has shocked public opinion due to the severity of the crimes and the systematic violence that appears to have been inflicted on the victims.