Two remanded over staged robbery (updated)

Two men were remanded in custody for seven days on Tuesday after their arrest for allegedly being involved in a case of staging a robbery.

The incident unfolded at around noon on Monday when a 54-year-old man reported to police that he had been robbed on the highway near Parekklisia.

The driver, a hotel worker, claimed a masked, armed man stopped his car by pulling in front of him in a rental car. A man then reportedly got out of the car, smashed his window of the first car, and stole a bag containing €30,000 of company money which he was transporting to a bank.

Reports showed a car with a broken window, while they also stated that the suspects spoke in basic Greek.

It later transpired that the robbery was fake, and the 54-year-old confessed he had set up the scheme with a 53-year-old man to steal the cash.

Police on Tuesday also carried out further investigations at the suspects’ homes.

The 53-year-old suspect, who has a criminal record, has denied any involvement in the case, according to police reports.

In a search of his home, police found and confiscated eight hand grenades for which he did not have a permit.

Officers are still attempting to trace the €30,000.

Officers initially said they were particularly concerned as to how the perpetrators knew the exact timing and route of the cash deposit operation.