Police said one of the suspects, a 44-year-old Cypriot man has been remanded in custody for eight days while the second one, a foreign EU national, will be deported.

The two were arrested in connection with an arson attack against vehicles belonging to a security firm.

Police have issued arrest warrants for two more suspects connected to the case.

Fanieros is also suspected of being involved in the attack, along with a string of other alleged offences including extortion, assault and abduction.

He was arrested on Thursday during a large police operation.

Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos yesterday confirmed reports that the chief of police had briefed political parties about the operation and asked them to support the force in consolidating the feeling of safety.

Katsounotos repeated the force’s plea to the public, especially those who were victims of crimes or witnesses, to come forward and contribute to the creation of conditions of safety and lawfulness.

“Now is the time and the golden opportunity,” Katsounotos said.

Along with Fanieros, police on Thursday arrested three foreign nationals and a Cypriot.

Police told the court that Fanieros employed people who used threats and violence to collect debts owed to him by gamblers who lost money at his casinos and could not pay up immediately.

text source cyprus mail