Four Suspects Remain in Custody Following Police Operation in Paphos

On Monday around 11:30, the four suspects arrested the previous day on charges of illegal possession of property and illegal possession of cold weapons were brought before the Paphos District Court. The court decided to keep all four in custody until Wednesday, when a decision on further detention will be made.

According to the case investigator, Police Sergeant Andreas Christofidis from Paphos TAE, there is evidence against the second, third, and fourth suspects indicating their involvement in the illegal possession of property. The first suspect, in addition, is also suspected of illegal possession of a cold weapon.

The operation took place on Sunday around 21:20 on Chrisanfu Street in Paphos following information about a possible meeting of individuals connected to organized crime at one of the mezedopolia.

The first to be arrested was a 43-year-old man from Larnaca. During a personal search and inspection of his waist bag, a black metal knuckle-duster (siderogrotia) was found. When asked by the police, he stated he carried it "for protection." The man was immediately arrested.

The second suspect, also from Larnaca, was found with €3,000 in cash (60 bills of €50) at the entrance to the establishment, the origin of which he could not explain. He was arrested for illegal possession of property.

The third suspect was found with €5,000 in cash and arrested around 21:45.

The fourth suspect, aged 30, was found with €12,810. When asked about the origin of the money, he stated: "This is my money."

The first detainee stated that he is unemployed and receives a state allowance of €850 per month, claiming that the money was accumulated from these payments. According to him, he bought the knuckle-duster at a kiosk in Larnaca.

The second suspect stated that he is a tourist from Romania, has been vacationing in Cyprus for several months, and is staying at a hotel in Larnaca. According to him, he brought the money for his vacation and arrived in Paphos by bus.

The fourth suspect is a Serbian citizen. His statements have not yet been obtained as he does not speak Greek; questioning is planned to be conducted in the presence of an interpreter.

The police stated that the investigation is in its initial stages. Three statements have been taken so far, and around 25 more are planned. Employment Service data, the suspects’ claims regarding allowances, hotel and bus information, and CCTV footage from the restaurant area will also be checked.

The investigation is also examining possible connections between the detainees and the circumstances of their presence together in the establishment, which had previously been fully rented for a birthday celebration.

According to the police, during the operation, 65 other people present in the premises were also checked.