In the occupied territories of Cyprus, the criminogenic situation around car dealerships has sharply worsened, the number of which in recent years has exceeded 1.5 thousand. According to the OZGUR Internet publication, associated with the Turkish mafia groups of the gang intimidate businessmen, demanding from them a share in profits.
According to the publication, car trade became the second most profitable sector of the economy after real estate, but a significant part of this business is associated with laundering. Despite numerous cases of shooting and threats to the owners of car dealerships, local authorities controlled by Ankara do not take effective measures to restore order.
According to sources, criminals openly blackmail entrepreneurs, sending them a threat messages and even noting on the maps the location of their offices and private houses. A particularly stressful situation has developed in Kirenia (garrne), where shootings often occur, and a number of crimes, including possible killings, remain unsolved.
The owners of car dealerships who wished to maintain anonymity for security reasons, argue that gangs require them to transfer part of the business. At the same time, new salons are opening daily, offering cars worth millions of pounds, which is suspicious of illegal origin.
Despite the repeated statements of politicians about the need to investigate the cases of money laundering and pressure on business, law enforcement agencies in the occupied territories are inactive. According to *ozgur *, the situation continues to deteriorate, and those who should take measures remain “observers”.
Source: Alphanews
