Deputy’s allegations of ‘immigrant blackmailers’ falls short of claim

THE POLICE have looked into claims by DISY deputy Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis that groups of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers were threatening and blackmailing employers and found only one complaint in the Larnaca district, said police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos yesterday.

Hadjiyiannis told reporters on Tuesday that groups of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers were operating an “organised ring” blackmailing employers in order to keep receiving benefits.

He said it was “inconceivable that this is happening in such a massive and organised manner and we are mere spectators”, adding that employers in Larnaca and Famagusta have complained to the police but nothing has been done about it.

The deputy failed to explain why or how illegal immigrants could blackmail employers on the issue of benefits, since first they are being illegally employed and second, they are not entitled to benefits.

Katsounotos said yesterday the police chief gave instructions to Larnaca and Famagusta police to look into the allegations immediately. “At first glance it seems only one complaint was made in the Larnaca district in early October, the contents of which are being investigated.”

He added that it was too early to tell whether the charges stand up or not.

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