Tag: crime

  • Arson attack — Targeted Arson Attack on Limassol Wine Shop Linked to Stavros Demosthenous

    Arson attack — Targeted Arson Attack on Limassol Wine Shop Linked to Stavros Demosthenous

    arson attack — A targeted arson attack on a wine shop in Germasogeia has raised alarms, particularly as this incident is connected to a foreign businessman closely associated with the late Stavros Demosthenous. The attack occurred around 03:40 on Thursday, 18 December, at a location on Georgiou Avenue.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    According to police reports, an unidentified individual approached the shop’s entrance and used a flammable liquid to set it ablaze. Fortunately, the Fire Service responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire before it could cause extensive damage to the interior of the establishment.

    This incident follows a troubling pattern, as it marks the second criminal act against the same businessman in just three weeks. On 27 November, four luxury vehicles, valued at hundreds of thousands of euros, were destroyed in a private parking area in Mouttagiaka. The targeted nature of these attacks has led investigators to believe they may be linked to underworld pressures, possibly involving demands for protection money or disputes related to business dealings.

    The businessman is known to have had ties to Stavros Demosthenous, who was assassinated on 17 October 2025. Demosthenous, a prominent figure and former president of Karmiotissa FC, was murdered in what authorities have described as a professional hit.

    In response to the arson, the scene has been cordoned off, with forensic experts from the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Fire Service conducting a thorough examination. Although no injuries were reported, the fire caused visible damage to the shop’s glass facade and entrance.

    Detectives are currently reviewing CCTV footage from Georgiou Avenue and neighbouring businesses to track the movements of the perpetrator. Forensic samples of the flammable liquid used in the attack are also being analysed. Later today, the owner of the wine shop is expected to provide a statement at the CID offices.

    The Law Office has been kept in the loop regarding this investigation, which is still active concerning the assassination of Demosthenous. Authorities are exploring the possibility that this wave of arson is a direct continuation of the conflicts surrounding Demosthenous’s murder, which has already led to arrests in both Greece and Cyprus.

  • Two Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Triple Burglary

    Two Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Triple Burglary

    triple burglary — triple burglary — Two individuals are now in custody following their alleged involvement in a series of burglaries in Nicosia. A 44-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman were remanded in police custody for five days on Friday as part of ongoing investigations.

    • Both individuals are expected to face further questioning as detectives continue their work to uncover the full extent of the crimes committed.

    The arrests were made after police executed court warrants related to three separate cases of burglary and theft that occurred between November 4 and November 20. These incidents have raised concerns in the local community, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

    According to police reports, the 44-year-old man is suspected of selling various pieces of jewellery to a gold shop in Nicosia just days before the arrests. On November 20, he allegedly sold these items without the necessary certificates, which has drawn further scrutiny to the transactions made at the shop.

    The woman, who is employed at the gold shop, is also facing charges linked to her role in this transaction. While police have gathered evidence against the man, investigations into the broader case are still ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to piece together all the details surrounding these burglaries.

    As the investigation unfolds, police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their inquiries. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in addressing crime.

    Both individuals are expected to face further questioning as detectives continue their work to uncover the full extent of the crimes committed.

  • Paphos Murder Case: Young Man Dies from Stab Wounds

    Paphos Murder Case: Young Man Dies from Stab Wounds

    paphos murder — paphos murder — The premed murder case in Paphos revolves around a young victim, Alexandros Antoniou, who succumbed to stab wounds in the early hours at a private hospital ICU in Limassol. The 26-year-old had been attacked on Wednesday evening.

    Antoniou was repeatedly stabbed by a 58-year-old man, who is now in custody and facing charges of premeditated murder. He was re-arrested by local CID this morning after the incident, which occurred at approximately 18:15 outside a kiosk on a central street in the Konia community.

    Preliminary investigations indicate that a verbal altercation preceded the attack. Witnesses, along with CCTV footage, reveal that Antoniou was initially seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle when the perpetrator leaned over from the passenger side and inflicted multiple stab wounds across his torso.

    The conflict between the two men reportedly stemmed from personal differences, specifically following Antoniou’s separation from the alleged perpetrator’s daughter. Hours before the stabbing, the woman had reported harassment by Antoniou, claiming he had also scratched her car.

    The district court in Paphos has remanded the suspect in custody for eight days. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted today by coroner Nicholas Charalambous. Investigators are gathering testimonies from numerous locals and witnesses, and phone records expected to be released this weekend may shed further light on the events leading up to the tragedy.

  • Turkish Cypriot Arrested at Checkpoint Linked to Serbian Hitmen Case

    Turkish Cypriot Arrested at Checkpoint Linked to Serbian Hitmen Case

    A Turkish Cypriot wanted in connection with the notorious Serbian hitmen case was arrested yesterday at the Agios Dometios checkpoint by Cyprus police. However, authorities were expected to release him shortly after the arrest.

    In the spring of 2016, Cyprus police received intelligence suggesting that the man was involved in transporting two Serbian hitmen from the illegal Tymbou airport to Agios Dometios. This alarming information indicated that the two Serbian nationals had come to Cyprus with the intent to assassinate several individuals, including Alexis Mavromichalis, Iosif Iosif, Christos Demetriou, and Fanos Kalopsidiotis.

    An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for the Turkish Cypriot, and it was executed almost nine years later when he attempted to cross into the free areas at the checkpoint. His arrest was a notable development in a case that had long been shrouded in mystery.

    Despite the significance of the apprehension, Philenews reported that authorities were not planning to seek a court order for his detention. Information available suggested that there were no legal issues arising from the case and no testimony supporting felony charges against him. The passage of time had rendered the circumstances surrounding the Serbian hitmen case considerably complex.

    This latest turn of events has reignited interest in a case that had seemingly faded from public view. The file containing evidence related to the Turkish Cypriot was sent to the law office earlier today, signalling that the story might not be over just yet.

  • Man Discovered Dead in Nicosia Residence

    Man Discovered Dead in Nicosia Residence

    nicosia — A man was found dead in a house in Nicosia on Thursday, according to local authorities. The tragic discovery was made around 2.30pm in the Engomi area, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding his death.

    Police reported that the man’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting that he may have been deceased for some time before being discovered. The exact cause of death is under investigation, with officers working to gather further details.

    As the investigation unfolds, local residents are left in shock, grappling with the suddenness of the incident. Neighbours have expressed their bewilderment, noting that they had not seen the man for several days. The police presence in the area has heightened, as officials seek to piece together the timeline leading up to the discovery.

    This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and wellbeing within the community. Authorities have assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to uncovering the truth behind this unfortunate event.

  • Demosthenous murder — Nicosia Man Arrested in Connection with Demosthenous Murder

    Demosthenous murder — Nicosia Man Arrested in Connection with Demosthenous Murder

    demosthenous murder — demosthenous murder — Police arrested a 45-year-old man from Nicosia on Saturday in connection with the murder of Stavros Demosthenous in Limassol. The arrest followed the discovery of a motorcycle, believed to have been used by the perpetrators to flee the scene of the crime.

    The suspect is the registered owner of the large-capacity dark-coloured scooter located earlier that day. Authorities plan to transfer the vehicle to Limassol Police Headquarters for further examination and questioning.

    Investigators suspect that another vehicle aided the suspects’ escape after they set fire to the van used during the murder. Senior members of the police force are present at Limassol CID headquarters as they intensify their investigations.

    An autopsy conducted on Demosthenous’s body at Nicosia General Hospital revealed that he suffered severe craniocerebral trauma caused by at least two bullets to the head. This gruesome finding, detailed by forensic pathologist Nikolas Charalambous, points to the violent nature of the attack.

    Evidence suggests that the shooter was skilled, as Demosthenous’s vehicle bore approximately ten bullet holes from an automatic weapon. The police are collecting witness statements and examining various pieces of evidence, including visual footage from the vicinity.

    The investigation continues to unfold as authorities piece together the events surrounding the murder. The community is left grappling with the shock of such a violent incident, while police work diligently to unravel the details and ensure justice is served.

  • Police Investigate Attempted Murder of Ukrainian Businessman in Limassol Hotel Shooting

    Police Investigate Attempted Murder of Ukrainian Businessman in Limassol Hotel Shooting

    Limassol Police are investigating the attempted murder of a 42-year-old Ukrainian businessman, who was shot outside a seafront hotel in Limassol on Monday evening.

    • Limassol Police are investigating the attempted murder of a 42-year-old Ukrainian businessman, who was shot outside a seafront hotel in Limassol on Monday evening.
    • The victim, who frequently travels abroad, is currently receiving treatment at Limassol General Hospital. He underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.

    The incident occurred around 7 pm when the victim was leaving the hotel with friends. Tensions escalated outside the hotel reception area, leading to a physical altercation. Sources indicate that the businessman struck one of the assailants before the attacker drew a weapon and shot him in the abdomen at close range. This moment was captured on CCTV, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.

    Despite witness statements and security footage, the motive behind the shooting remains elusive. Authorities are exploring possible financial disputes as a motive, but no definitive leads have emerged. The investigation is complicated by the lack of cooperation from witnesses, with friends of the victim providing limited information regarding the incident.

    Following the shooting, the suspects fled in a luxury vehicle, which was later found abandoned on the Zygi coastal road. Police believe that the assailants may have escaped to the northern occupied areas of Cyprus. Arrest warrants have been issued for two suspects, aged 44 and 39, who are of Russian and Greek descent. The older suspect also possesses Cypriot identity documents and has a history of involvement in various criminal cases.

    The victim, who frequently travels abroad, is currently receiving treatment at Limassol General Hospital. He underwent surgery and is reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.

    As the investigation continues, Limassol CID has informed checkpoints and the Bicommunal Technical Committee about the suspects’ possible escape routes. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in resolving the case.

  • Assault — Teenager Arrested in Larnaca Assault Investigation

    Assault — Teenager Arrested in Larnaca Assault Investigation

    A teenager has been arrested in connection with an assault investigation that has left a 41-year-old man injured in Larnaca. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. yesterday when police received a report of an injured individual in an apartment building.

    • The Larnaca Minor Offences Unit is actively pursuing the case, working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the assault.

    Upon arrival, officers found the man suffering from a head injury. According to reports, he claimed to have been attacked and beaten by a group of people. Following the incident, he was transported to Larnaca General Hospital for treatment, where he received first aid before being discharged.

    As the investigation unfolded, police secured evidence implicating a 16-year-old, leading to his arrest under a court warrant to facilitate further questioning. This morning, the teenager appeared before the Larnaca District Court, which issued a four-day detention order for him as the investigation continues.

    The Larnaca Minor Offences Unit is actively pursuing the case, working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the assault.

  • Food delivery — Nicosia Food Delivery Worker Attacked in Knife-Point Robbery

    Food delivery — Nicosia Food Delivery Worker Attacked in Knife-Point Robbery

    food delivery — A food delivery worker was robbed at knife-point in Nicosia on Tuesday night, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the safety of gig economy workers. The 24-year-old victim was targeted by a group of six suspects while he was stopped to confirm the delivery address at around 10:15 pm.

    As he checked the details, the group approached him, with one individual brandishing a knife. The robber demanded the delivery worker hand over his cash. In a moment of fear, the victim complied, surrendering 150 euros to the assailant.

    After the robbery, the group quickly fled the scene, leaving the delivery worker shaken but unharmed. Local police have since launched an investigation into the incident, with the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department leading the effort to identify and apprehend the suspects.

    This incident adds to a troubling pattern of attacks against delivery workers, raising questions about their safety while working in urban areas. As the gig economy continues to grow, these workers often find themselves vulnerable to crime, especially during late hours and in less populated areas.

    Authorities are urging delivery companies to enhance safety measures for their workers, including providing training on how to handle potentially dangerous situations. Meanwhile, the community is left grappling with the implications of such violent acts on local businesses and public safety.

  • Limassol pharmacy — 57-Year-Old Man Arrested Following Limassol Pharmacy Shooting

    Limassol pharmacy — 57-Year-Old Man Arrested Following Limassol Pharmacy Shooting

    limassol pharmacy — limassol pharmacy — A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident at a pharmacy in Yermasoyia, a suburb of Limassol. The arrest took place on Sunday, just two days after the unsettling event occurred on Friday.

    • The arrested individual is expected to appear in court soon, with the authorities continuing to assess the situation and the potential implications for the local community.

    The pharmacy’s owner discovered evidence of a shooting upon arriving at the premises. According to reports, three shots had been fired at the glass display case of the pharmacy prior to his arrival. The owner immediately contacted the police to report the incident.

    Law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The police have stated that their inquiries are ongoing, as they work to gather further details about the motive behind the shooting.

    The arrested individual is expected to appear in court soon, with the authorities continuing to assess the situation and the potential implications for the local community.