Limassol is currently experiencing a period of considerable unrest due to a suspected gangland dispute which has triggered a series of violent retaliatory attacks throughout the city. Recent incidents, including the serious stabbing of a local businessman and the subsequent destruction of a popular barbershop, have highlighted a worrying resurgence in organised criminal activity. Consequently, authorities have significantly reinforced police presence in an effort to restore calm and apprehend those involved in this escalating cycle of revenge.
The chain of events, which has cast a shadow over the coastal city, seemingly began on Saturday, December 20th. A 36-year-old businessman was brutally attacked around 7:00 pm. Reports indicate that three unidentified male assailants used electric stun devices to incapacitate the victim before inflicting stab wounds to his shoulder blade. He is currently receiving intensive medical care in a private hospital and remains in critical but stable condition.
In what appears to be a swift and direct reprisal, the conflict intensified in the early hours of Monday, January 1st. Around 1:40 am, a well-known barbershop on Anexartisias Street became the target of a destructive assault. Two masked individuals deliberately shattered the establishment's glass storefront using rocks before ransacking the interior. Assistant Police Chief Lefteris Kyriakou confirmed that Limassol authorities perceive a "probable link" between this act of vandalism and the earlier stabbing, given the proximity in timing.
Investigators are diligently reviewing extensive CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence to identify the individuals responsible for both assaults. The Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is leading the inquiry, focusing on a 30-year-old Lebanese national, Mohamad Tleis, as a wanted suspect in connection with the barbershop vandalism. Concerns are growing that Tleis might attempt to flee the island, potentially heading towards the occupied territories.
The underlying causes of this escalating feud are believed to stem from disputes related to illegal drug trafficking and extortion rackets, which are common indicators of organised crime. The barbershop itself has a history of attracting trouble, having been involved in a shooting incident in 2020, suggesting a pre-existing vulnerability.
In response to the growing threat, Assistant Police Chief Kyriakou stated, "We have intensified police presence and patrols in the area to prevent further escalation." This increased visibility demonstrates the authorities' commitment to restoring order and deterring further violence. Temporary 24-hour security personnel have also been deployed to protect locations deemed to be at risk. These events are creating an atmosphere of unease within the community and present a significant challenge to safeguarding private property from such criminal endeavours. The ongoing investigation and enhanced security measures signify a determined effort to dismantle the networks fuelling this dangerous cycle of retribution.