A 43-year-old man suspected of arson at a factory in Ypsonas has been remanded in custody for seven days as investigators delve into charges of arson and malicious damage. The fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
According to evidence presented by Limassol CID investigators to the District Court, the suspect had a brief history with the factory, having worked as a distributor for approximately one year before resigning in June 2025 without offering an explanation. Shortly after his resignation, he sought reinstatement, but the 75-year-old factory owner turned him down, having already found a replacement.
This rejection reportedly left the suspect in an “agitated state.” Court testimony highlighted a confrontation between the two men at a café in Ypsonas two weeks after the suspect’s departure. Witnesses described the suspect as being in an “uncontrolled state,” where he shouted threats and threw a beer bottle at the factory owner, although bystanders intervened to prevent any injuries. Following this incident, the factory owner lodged a police report at Polemidia Station.
In light of the suspect’s behaviour, he received official warnings from the police. A month before the fire, the factory owner noticed the oil cap had been removed from his vehicle parked near the factory. CCTV footage captured the suspect near the vehicle the day before the incident, raising suspicions of potential malicious damage.
During written questioning, the suspect claimed he left the café between 00:30 and 01:00 on August 20 and went home, only to awaken later due to the noise of explosions and fire services responding to the blaze. He alleged he saw the factory fire from his balcony. However, investigators have gathered written testimony that contradicts his timeline. Evidence indicates he actually left at approximately 01:45, with the fire beginning just 15 minutes later.
Following the fire, which caused damage to four neighbouring properties, police conducted searches of the suspect’s home and vehicle, seizing various items for scientific examination. Initially, no incriminating evidence was found. The suspect acknowledged the café incident, attributing his actions to alcohol consumption while asserting he was owed additional payment for services rendered to the factory owner.
He stated that the complainant later paid him 300 euros through an intermediary. Concerning the vehicle incident, he admitted to parking on the complainant’s premises to start a vehicle and prevent battery drainage but denied any involvement in causing damage.
As the investigation unfolds, police have collected six witness statements and carried out two searches to date. Authorities plan to re-examine the suspect and verify his claims, while also collecting additional evidence related to the fire. CCTV footage from the area is being secured, including recordings from the complainant’s security system.
