Nicosia auto gallery arson attack linked to $400,000 extortion attempt

Two young men, aged 19 and 20, have been arrested following an arson attack on the Tol Cars auto gallery in Nicosia. The suspects were apprehended at Ercan Airport while attempting to leave the country shortly after the incident.

According to police reports, the suspects used a flammable mixture prepared from approximately 1.5 liters of cologne to set fire to a Nissan Note parked inside the gallery. The fire caused significant damage to the vehicle and resulted in smoke damage to the building's roof. Firefighters eventually extinguished the blaze.

The owner of the gallery, Tolga Yeşil, stated that he had received multiple threats and was being extorted for $400,000. Authorities are currently investigating the involvement of a gang leader known as ‘Dayı’ who is suspected of orchestrating the attack. The suspects have been remanded in custody for three days following their court appearance.