Chef Arrested for €200,000 Theft from Ukrainian Family's Mansion in Cyprus

An investigation into the theft of over €200,000 in cash and gold from a Ukrainian family's mansion in Pervolia, Larnaca, has concluded. The thief, the family's Bulgarian chef, was apprehended in Tbilisi.

The incident, reported by Cyprus' leading newspaper Phileleftheros, occurred two years ago. In July 2022, a 51-year-old Ukrainian lawyer, who had previously served as a parliament member in Ukraine, reported the theft to the Larnaca police.

The suspect, a 54-year-old Bulgarian who had been hired as the family’s personal chef just a month before the theft, was the main suspect from the start. He vanished shortly after the crime.

Investigations revealed that the suspect crossed the Agios Dometios checkpoint into the occupied territories on July 15, 2022. Police discovered his car near the checkpoint, containing earrings and other valuable jewelry, which were identified by the victim’s wife. A European arrest warrant was issued, and he was arrested in Tbilisi on September 1, 2022, then extradited to Cyprus.

Seventeen witnesses testified for the prosecution, including the homeowner, whose testimony was found entirely credible by the Permanent Criminal Court.

The chef was charged with abusing his employer’s trust and stealing $100,000 and €45,000 in cash, along with gold and jewelry worth over €80,000.

The Permanent Criminal Court of Larnaca sentenced him to six years in prison.