A violent fight happened in Larnaca on Saturday. It was near the police station. There was gunfire. Police arrested four people. They think these people are part of an organised crime group. This group allegedly forced businesses to pay them money.
The fight started because a business owner refused to pay. The owner of a car rental business did not want to pay illegal "protection" money. The group, led by a 48-year-old man, had been threatening businesses. The car rental owner got a second phone call. The caller said, "You will find out who I am." He also asked about the money.
Witnesses said the fight was very chaotic. People used weapons like axes and clubs. Two gunshots were heard. This scared people in the quiet city. The group allegedly made businesses hire their own guards. Then they charged a lot of money for "protection."
The main suspect is the 48-year-old man. He was injured and went to the hospital. He is now in jail for eight days. He is accused of extortion. He allegedly kept running the group even after being in trouble before. Three other men were also arrested. They are from Arab countries and are between 20 and 35 years old.
Police are investigating carefully. They are looking at video and talking to witnesses. In a raid, police found eight bullets. This shows the group was dangerous. Police also found a car and two empty bullet cases. This investigation shows a serious problem with crime in the area. Police want to stop the group.