Planned attack on a business prevented in Girne: three suspects sent to prison

As part of an investigation conducted by the crime prevention unit of Girne police, three men suspected of planning an armed attack on a business in Northern Cyprus were detained.

The Syrian citizens A.K. and Y.K., along with their alleged accomplice Y.Ö., appeared in court again. According to a police officer in court, A.K. and Y.K. were arrested on January 16 during an operation in an apartment in Girne.

During a search of the apartment, police discovered a grinder and aluminum foil with traces of a substance, presumably containing drugs. These items were seized as evidence. After the arrest, both suspects gave voluntary statements.

According to the police, in their confessions, A.K. stated that they illegally entered Northern Cyprus from the south of the island and photographed the premises of a business in the İskele area. The photos, allegedly, were sent to Dubai. Additionally, analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones revealed geolocations linked to several car dealerships.

During further investigation, on January 17, a third suspect, Y.Ö., was detained. According to the police, he transported A.K. and Y.K. to the hotel that, according to the investigation, was the target of the planned armed attack. It was also established that Y.Ö. provided the suspects with food and paid for the apartment where they stayed.

During a search of Y.Ö.’s house, a black balaclava was found, which was also seized as evidence.

The police reported that the investigation lasted about 20 days. During this time, CCTV footage from various areas was reviewed, as well as data from the automatic traffic control system (KGS), which recorded the vehicle carrying all three suspects.

After completing the investigative actions, the police applied to the court for the suspects to be held in custody. The court approved the request and ordered all three to be sent to the Central Prison as accused without a verdict for a period not exceeding 75 days.