Filenews 25 February 2023
The police arrested a 52-year-old man yesterday, after the arrival of a boat carrying migrants in the Famagusta sea area. A judicial arrest warrant was issued against the 52-year-old to facilitate investigations into a case of assisting third-country nationals for illegal entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
Specifically, at noon yesterday, a suspicious target was detected by radar in the sea area southeast of Cape Greco. At 12.30p.m. a boat of the Port and Maritime Police, located and stopped in the above area, a small boat, in which 21 people were on board. It was found that there were 13 men, two women and six children, aged between two and ten.
The passengers of the boat were safely transported to the Ayia Napa marina. Subsequent examinations revealed that the vessel sailed off the coast of Syria on the evening of 23 February 2023.
According to secured testimonies, the driver of the boat was a 52-year-old man, who was arrested under a court warrant.
The remaining 20 passengers of the boat, after the completion of the relevant procedures, were transferred to the accommodation centre "Pournara".
Famagusta ICF is investigating the case.
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The 23-year-old man from Syria, who managed to escape on Tuesday from the offices of the ICF Larnaca, was detained by the Larnaca District Court. The young man, who surrendered yesterday afternoon at the Police Headquarters, was transferred to the Larnaca District Court, under very strict security measures.
In addition to the escape, he is suspected of 12 thefts and burglaries committed by bookmakers, kiosks and shops in Larnaca from October 31, 2022 to February 2, 2023. The suspect allegedly targeted sums of money and his booty exceeds €20,000.
The 23-year-old, who is a recognized political refugee, was reportedly tattered and shaved when he surrendered to police on Friday, in order to differ from the photo that had been released. He said he had been hiding in various places for the past three days.
The 23-year-old had been arrested Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of three burglary and theft cases. Around 7:30 of the same day and while he was at the Complaints Office wearing handcuffs, he managed to escape through the back door of the offices of the Crime Detection Department, located on the first floor of the Larnaca ADE. Then through a metal staircase, he climbed to the roof, jumped from a height of three meters and disappeared into the darkness.
It is recalled that two police officers of the Larnaka ICF have been suspended for the case, one because he was in charge of guarding the 23-year-old and the other, who was on the previous shift, because he did not put on his back handcuffs. The police leadership has appointed an investigating officer to establish the circumstances of the escape and possible disciplinary offences.
