A PRIVATE security company in Larnaca yesterday denied some of its clients were police referrals, stipulating instead that anyone who used ‘A Team Security Services’ did so of his or her own accord.
The company also said its goal was to make Larnaca the safest town on the island and that it often helped police apprehend criminals.
‘A Team Security Services’ general manager Avraam Marangos said there was “absolutely no substance” to allegations that some of its clients, who had experienced difficulty in settling their financial problems, were turned away by police and instead pointed in their direction.
“The proud citizens of Larnaca come to us freely and on their own accord, simply because we have established ourselves as an efficient and trustworthy team of professionals,” said Marangos, in a letter to the Cyprus Mail.
“Our role as a Private Security Company and our service to the citizens of Larnaca has been well documented. Our clever and efficient private officers guard life and property and enforce the rule of law at the behest of our clients. We have established ourselves as a highly respected and competent Private Security Company and are determined to continue to serve the interest of our clients ceaselessly. Our record has indeed been one of which we are justly proud,” he said.
Marangos was referring to an article in Thursday’s paper linking the company to an internal police memo leaked to Greek language daily, Politis, this week. Politis also connected the company to Antonis Fanieros, a well known Larnaca businessman with alleged underworld dealings. Both ‘A Team Security Services’ and Fanieros have denied his connection to the company.
In the memo, which was sent to all Larnaca police stations, departments and services and signed by the town’s police chief, officers were warned off referring members of the public to the specific private security firm.
Marangos said: “It has never been our intention to be a substitute for the Cyprus Police and we are friends and associates to all police officers. Even though it may not be in the interest of some to admit it, we have assisted the police on many occasions and are proud of this fact. We have apprehended and have handed over to the police drug dealers, thieves, fraudsters and all types of criminal elements who prey on our society.”
The general manager said the company even took on pro bono work. One example was a single mother who had been terrorised by drug dealers for the debts of her “very sick and drug dependant son”.
“We have placed [her] under our protection, without monetary gain or profit,” he said. “We have assisted many youths who have been the victims of crime in our town by providing counselling and support and have helped them regain their pride and self esteem. We have protected and continue to protect many important properties and establishments,” he added.
