Tag: investigation

  • Prosecution Unveils New Evidence in Demosthenous Murder Case

    Prosecution Unveils New Evidence in Demosthenous Murder Case

    demosthenous murder — demosthenous murder — The murder case of businessman Stavros Demosthenous has taken a significant turn as new evidence was presented by the prosecution during court proceedings. Demosthenous was tragically gunned down last month just a few metres from his home in Limassol.

    • As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.

    Four suspects, all implicated in the murder, are scheduled to face trial at the Limassol criminal court on January 29. This follows an announcement made by authorities on Thursday, confirming their direct involvement.

    Demosthenous murder: New Testimonies and Evidence

    As the investigation unfolds, a key testimony has emerged from an eyewitness who observed a white van that was later set ablaze. This individual noted that the van’s right back door window was broken, and a second vehicle was present nearby, unable to pass due to the commotion. Notably, this witness described a second man at the scene who was wearing a distinctive ‘Zorro-style’ hat and glasses.

    Further strengthening the prosecution’s case, laboratory tests have revealed that DNA collected from the hat abandoned by the suspects belongs to a 31-year-old man, identified as the alleged shooter. State laboratories also discovered traces of forensic material indicating the hat was likely used by someone who either fired a gun or was in close proximity to the act.

    Profiles of the Suspects

    The prosecution’s case file outlines the roles of the suspects involved. Among them are two 30-year-olds; one is alleged to have facilitated the purchase and sale of the motorcycle used during the escape, while the other is a convicted prisoner, accused of orchestrating the murder from behind bars.

    Additionally, a 51-year-old suspect has had his DNA linked to a stolen vehicle connected to the crime, whereas the other suspect, a 31-year-old of Georgian descent, is accused of procuring fake licence plates for the getaway vehicle and assisting two Georgians in fleeing Cyprus.

    Clarifications on Nationality

    The embassy of Georgia in Nicosia has clarified that the two Georgians in question are not actual Georgian nationals but rather “Pontian Greeks”—individuals of Greek descent born in Georgia who hold Greek citizenship exclusively.

    These two suspects, aged 28, were apprehended in Thessaloniki in late October under a European arrest warrant and are currently waiting extradition back to Cyprus. They are expected to be incorporated into the trial at a later date.

    Investigative Developments

    Following their arrest, law enforcement located a vehicle with Cypriot registration at one of the suspects’ residences. This car, registered to the 31-year-old suspect, contained documents that suggested plans for their escape from Cyprus by ferry to Turkey.

    The indictment filed against the suspects includes a total of 17 charges, 16 of which apply to all four defendants. These charges encompass serious offences such as premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, and illegal possession and use of firearms.

    Notably, the 51-year-old suspect faces an additional charge of receiving stolen property but remains at liberty after a court ruling on November 5 that found insufficient evidence to justify extending his detention.

    Trial Expectations

    As the case progresses, it has been assigned a serial number, although there are indications it may be refiled to include the two Georgians once their cases are officially combined. In total, the prosecution has lined up 104 witnesses, including three individuals who had previously been arrested but later released.

    Stavros Demosthenous was fatally shot on October 17 while seated in a car next to his 18-year-old son in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. Police investigations suggest that the gunfire originated from a van that was directly in front of their vehicle, which was later discovered engulfed in flames. A motorcycle, believed to be linked to the murder, was also found abandoned in the vicinity.

    As of November 7, the investigation had led to the detention of at least eight suspects, with some released due to lack of evidence.

  • Drowned: Drowning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Young Man in Ayia Napa

    Drowned: Drowning Confirmed as Cause of Death for Young Man in Ayia Napa

    A young man found dead in the sea off Ayia Napa has been confirmed to have drowned, according to a post-mortem examination. The examination, conducted on Saturday morning, established drowning as the cause of death for the 24-year-old foreign national.

    • Authorities reported that the man was a resident of Ayia Napa, a popular tourist destination in Cyprus. The findings from the statutory post-mortem revealed that he had drowned while in the water.
    • Authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain vigilant while engaging in water activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness.

    Authorities reported that the man was a resident of Ayia Napa, a popular tourist destination in Cyprus. The findings from the statutory post-mortem revealed that he had drowned while in the water.

    Police are now awaiting the results of laboratory tests to gather further information regarding the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise. The investigation is ongoing, as officials aim to piece together the events leading to his death.

    Eyewitnesses and locals have expressed their sorrow over the incident, highlighting the risks associated with swimming in unfamiliar waters. The coastal area near Ayia Napa is known for its beauty, but safety precautions are essential, especially for those not familiar with the local conditions.

    Authorities are urging both residents and tourists to remain vigilant while engaging in water activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and awareness.

  • Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    limassol car — limassol car — The police are currently searching for a man who set a car on fire parked outside a kiosk in Limassol. This alarming incident occurred shortly after midnight, with emergency services notified around 12.45am.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire was maliciously started using flammable material. At the time of the attack, the car’s owner was inside the kiosk, completely unaware of the unfolding drama outside.

    A passing motorist, equipped with a fire extinguisher, managed to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle has suffered extensive damage. The incident was captured on the kiosk’s CCTV cameras, and investigators are reviewing this footage as part of their inquiries.

    According to police sources, the motive behind this act of arson appears to stem from personal differences between the car’s owner and the suspected arsonist. However, authorities have stated that they are keeping an open mind and have not ruled out other possible motives.

  • Tragic Limassol Crash Claims Life of 51-Year-Old Motorcyclist

    Tragic Limassol Crash Claims Life of 51-Year-Old Motorcyclist

    A 51-year-old motorcyclist died after being seriously injured in a collision with a van in Limassol. The crash, which occurred on Thursday night, highlights the dangers of impaired driving.

    • A 51-year-old motorcyclist died after being seriously injured in a collision with a van in Limassol. The crash, which occurred on Thursday night, highlights the dangers of impaired driving.

    Motorcyclist: The Collision

    The accident took place at approximately 8.30pm near Moni when a van struck the motorcyclist’s vehicle. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the motorcyclist was transported to a private hospital in Limassol, where he succumbed to his injuries.

    Driver’s Condition

    Authorities reported that the van driver, a 41-year-old man, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. A breath analyser test indicated he had 48 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, significantly above the legal limit of 22 micrograms.

    Legal Action

    Following the incident, a court warrant was issued for the man’s arrest. He is now facing charges related to driving under the influence, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing.

    Community Reaction

    This tragic event has resonated within the community, raising concerns about road safety and the implications of drunk driving. Local residents are calling for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of driving regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

  • Fatal crash: Tragic Collision in Limassol Claims Life of Motorcyclist

    Fatal crash: Tragic Collision in Limassol Claims Life of Motorcyclist

    fatal crash — fatal crash — A fatal road collision occurred last night in Limassol, claiming the life of 51-year-old Giorgos Georgiou, formerly of Limassol. The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. on the old Limassol–Nicosia road.

    At that time, a 41-year-old man was driving a van towards Limassol when, while on the Moni flyover, he veered into the opposing lane of traffic. This reckless manoeuvre resulted in a head-on collision with a large-engine motorcycle being ridden by Georgiou, who was travelling in the opposite direction.

    Despite wearing a protective helmet, Georgiou sustained severe injuries from the crash. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, and he was rushed by ambulance to a private hospital in Limassol. Tragically, despite the medical team’s best efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

    Authorities have revealed that the van driver failed a final alcohol test, registering 48mg, which exceeds the legal limit of 22mg in Cyprus. A subsequent drug test returned negative, indicating no further substances were involved. In light of these findings, a judicial warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody to assist with ongoing police inquiries.

    The Limassol Traffic Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, seeking to establish a clearer understanding of the events that led to the fatal collision.

  • 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.

  • No Evidence of Child Pornography Found; 30-Year-Old Turkish Cypriot Released

    No Evidence of Child Pornography Found; 30-Year-Old Turkish Cypriot Released

    The 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot, previously detained on suspicion of acquiring access to child pornography, has been released after investigators found no evidence on his mobile phone.

    • The 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot, previously detained on suspicion of acquiring access to child pornography, has been released after investigators found no evidence on his mobile phone.
    • The examination of the phone's contents revealed no incriminating evidence, leading to the decision to charge him in writing before his release at one o'clock on Sunday afternoon.
    • Officials have confirmed that the case file has been forwarded to the Law Office for further evaluation and instructions regarding the next steps.

    Following his appearance at the Nicosia District Court last Friday, a three-day detention order was issued. However, after an examination by the police, it was determined that there were no links between the suspect’s digital accounts and the alleged offences.

    According to the Police Press Office, the suspect voluntarily handed over his mobile device and provided the necessary codes, even allowing for face recognition access to facilitate the investigation.

    The examination of the phone’s contents revealed no incriminating evidence, leading to the decision to charge him in writing before his release at one o’clock on Sunday afternoon.

    Officials have confirmed that the case file has been forwarded to the Law Office for further evaluation and instructions regarding the next steps.

  • 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.

  • Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    limassol fire — limassol fire — A fire erupted this morning in a riverbed close to the Agios Silas industrial area in Limassol, prompting a swift response from local firefighters to prevent potential damage to a nearby metal processing factory.

    • In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.
    • Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

    The blaze was reported early in the day, leading to the deployment of three fire engines from Limassol district stations. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames, successfully bringing the situation under control shortly before midday.

    Limassol fire: Efforts to Suppress the Blaze

    The fire affected approximately three decares of grass, wild vegetation, and acacia trees within the riverbed area. Fortunately, the quick action of the Fire Service ensured that the flames did not reach the adjacent factory, which could have resulted in significant damage.

    In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.

    Investigating Possible Malicious Activity

    As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, authorities began investigating the incident due to indications of potential malicious activity. The Fire Service has not dismissed the possibility that the fire may have been deliberately set. Police are collaborating with fire investigators to ascertain the cause.

    Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

  • Larnaca assault: Teenager Held After Alleged Assault in Larnaca

    Larnaca assault: Teenager Held After Alleged Assault in Larnaca

    larnaca assault — A 16-year-old boy was remanded in police custody for four days following an alleged assault in Larnaca.

    • larnaca assault — A 16-year-old boy was remanded in police custody for four days following an alleged assault in Larnaca.

    The Larnaca district court issued the order on Saturday to facilitate the ongoing police investigation into the incident. Authorities were alerted on Friday evening around 9pm to reports of an injured individual at a residential building in the area.

    Upon arrival, police found a 41-year-old man with a head injury. The victim informed officers that he had been attacked by a group of individuals. He was subsequently taken to Larnaca General Hospital, where he received first aid before being discharged.

    Investigators gathered evidence linking the teenager to the assault, leading to his arrest under a court warrant. The boy appeared before the district court, which approved his detention to assist in the inquiries.