Larnaca: 24-year-old Pakistani held for eight days over card fraud – damages €4,733
The Larnaca District Court has ordered eight days' detention for a 24-year-old from Pakistan over card fraud via messages. Two victims lost a total of €4,733.
Arrest of 24-year-old in Larnaca for electronic fraud with bank cards
Eight days' detention has been imposed today by the Larnaca District Court on a 24-year-old Pakistani national, resident of Nicosia, who was arrested yesterday as part of an investigation into theft, fraud through information systems and money laundering, according to Politis.
Spyros Chrysostomou, spokesperson for the Larnaca Police Directorate, described two complaints that led to the arrest. On 21 September 2026, a 76-year-old received a message on his mobile phone with the sender appearing as "traffic CY". After opening it and providing his bank card number, €3,963 was withdrawn through two ATM transactions in Nicosia.
On 2 October 2026, a 68-year-old reported that he had received a similar message with the name "CY MEDICAL". After opening it, he provided his credit card details and suffered a loss of €770. In total, the two victims lost €4,733.
A crucial element in identifying the suspect was the discovery, through a specific bank, that the details of the complainants' cards had been registered in a mobile device electronic wallet believed to be linked to the 24-year-old. An arrest warrant was issued, the suspect was arrested and a search was carried out at his residence, from which a number of items of evidence were retrieved.
The withdrawals appear to have been made by a third party, who is being sought by the authorities. The Larnaca CID is investigating the arrested person for offences of theft, unauthorised access to information systems, unauthorised interference with electronic data, data theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, money laundering and unlawful processing of personal data.
During the same period, another suspect was arrested in Nicosia. Investigations are continuing to determine whether the second suspect is connected to the 24-year-old.
Source: Politis