A 44-year-old businessman facing charges in an alleged extortion case will remain in custody after the Larnaca criminal court rejected his request for conditional release on Thursday.

The court ruled that the defendant should stay in custody until the trial begins on September 18.

He is one of four people facing charges in a case involving allegations of extortion, threats, financial exploitation and money laundering.

The businessman appeared before the court again after his lawyer requested his release under conditions.

Three other defendants are also facing trial. They include two men aged 42 and 49, and a 45-year-old woman.

The 42-year-old and the woman have been released on bail, while the 49-year-old remains in custody for other cases being heard before the same court.

The case centres around a complaint by an individual who alleges to have been subjected to pressure, threats and financial exploitation over several years by people acting in an organised manner.

Three women, aged 44, 45 and 49, are facing 14 charges, including involvement in a criminal organisation, conspiracy, unlawful detention, extortion, threats, illegal possession and transport of firearms and explosives, and money laundering.

The 42-year-old faces 11 charges linked to the alleged organisation, including extortion, threats, money laundering and other offences.

At the September 18 hearing, the defendants are expected to be formally presented with the indictment and asked to enter pleas.