Pafos Live 6/11
A new case of online fraud with investments in cryptocurrencies is being investigated by the Police in the Limassol district, following a complaint filed today with the Limassol TAE by a 41-year-old man.
According to the complaint, in early September 2026, the 41-year-old spotted an online advertisement of a company that presented cryptocurrency investment opportunities. He then contacted a person who presented himself as an investor and was persuaded to invest the amount of $100,000 initially.
Subsequently, he was presented with supposedly significant profits from his investment, as a result of which he gradually proceeded to additional deposits of money.
When the complainant asked to withdraw part of his money, the alleged investors began to put forward various excuses for not satisfying his request, while at the same time demanding the payment of additional sums of money, citing procedures for the alleged release of his profits.
The 41-year-old realized that he had been the victim of fraud and filed a complaint with the Police. According to what he complained, the perpetrators extorted from him, during the period between September and November 2026, a total amount of money of 280.000 dollars.
The case is being investigated by the Financial Crime Investigation Office, of the Limassol Police Department.
The public is encouraged to always verify the legitimacy and reliability of the companies and persons with whom they do business before proceeding with any investment or transfer of money.
The Police remind that personal data, passwords and bank account details should never be shared with third parties.
* * * * * *
Filenews
The presence and action of the Police last night was intense, throughout Cyprus, with organized patrols in key points of urban areas, with the aim of preventing serious criminal acts, ensuring public order and increasing the sense of security of the public.
As a result of the preventive police operations, 12 persons were arrested for various offenses, including illegal stay in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, causing malicious damage, conspiracy to commit a felony, as well as in relation to pending fine warrants.
As part of these operations, during the night, 415 drivers and 155 passengers were stopped and checked. At the same time, 32 inspections of premises were carried out, with the aim of dealing with phenomena of delinquency, where four complaints emerged.
During traffic checks carried out, 261 complaints were made, concerning various traffic violations, while eight investigated cases of traffic violations also emerged.
Of the complaints made, 78 concerned exceeding the speed limit, while as part of the police examinations, six vehicles were detained.
83 alcohol tests were carried out, from which two complaints emerged, while two drug tests were also carried out, with negative results.
Policing operations, for the prevention and suppression of crime, continue daily, with an increased/enhanced police presence, targeted controls and immediate operational action, with the aim of increasing the sense of security of citizens/protecting citizens and ensuring public order.
* * * * * *
As part of the "grid" operation of the Police, in addition to freezing bank accounts with amounts of €350,000, real estate and a large number of vehicles were seized on the basis of court orders.
As filenews is informed, the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE) through the Unit for Combating Cover-up Offenses (MOKAS) secured this morning court orders for the freezing of two fields worth €100.000, a share of a two-storey house in Kiti and a total of 18 cars.
According to the information of filenews, one of the vehicles is worth €35.000. The other cars are of lesser value, however their total number reflects the extent of the Authorities' operations.
We remind you that the tangle of the case began to unravel on February 19 when, after an operation by YKAN, a large quantity of narcotic substances (167 kilograms of cannabis, 62 kilograms of cocaine and 4.5 kilograms of cannabis resin) was found in an auxiliary premises of a house in Nicosia.
The Police have arrested 26 persons after a pan-Cypriot operation. Specifically, 27 searches were carried out in houses, premises, vehicles and cells in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta, as well as in the Central Prisons.
During the execution of the search warrants, weapons, drugs, cash and mobile phones were found, among others.
Update - Key persons in the pyramid of the trafficking ring, of the 233,5 kilograms of drugs found in a "hiding place" in Strovolos, were reportedly arrested by the authorities, following the communications data of the so-called "storekeeper". According to the police investigator of the case, the conversations of one of the five undertrials, in the February 2026 case, led to the four suspects who were detained for five days today.
The DAOE's investigations into the contact data of the five defendants in the case of the 233.5 kilograms of drugs led to 26 arrests and the detention of seven persons. In addition to the four drug suspects, three other persons were taken to the District Court, in separate proceedings for detention. Two persons were detained for five days for possession of explosives, specifically firecrackers, and one was detained for two days for possession of explosives, specifically, a number of bullets. Of the rest arrested, some were charged in writing to be summoned later before a Court and others were released pending further investigations.
According to what was said today in court during the presentation of the 4 suspects, the two warehouses that were searched on February 19 are located in the paternal home of one of the five undertrials. A person who, as the investigator stated, was assigned the role of "storekeeper and manager of the quantities of narcotic substances". Based on what he said, quantities of drugs belonging to different persons were kept in the warehouses, while the warehouseman in question allegedly received instructions for the supply of drugs to third parties, but also for the route of the money he collected.
According to the investigator, the instructions he allegedly received were for the money "to end up with the owners of the drugs or with third parties indicated by them". He also allegedly bought drugs on behalf of others and made the relevant payments.
The instructions were either carried out by the storekeeper himself, or forwarded to the other four defendants in the original case, who are described as transporters.
Notes, buyers and receipts
The investigator, in view of the detention process of the four suspects, stated that communications through applications with the four suspects were found on the phone of the alleged storekeeper, from January 22 to February 19, 2026.
The first suspect allegedly informed the so-called warehouse about purchases of large quantities of drugs and arranged his communication with buyers. As the investigator characteristically stated, "he kept notes on drug dealings".
According to the same testimony, "from the amount of drugs seized on February 19, the 1st suspect has in the warehouse of the 1st person at least about 1800 grams of cocaine, 6 kilograms of cannabis and electronic cigarettes containing cannabidiol".
In the conversations, he reportedly gave instructions for transfers and deliveries, as well as for "the collection of money against drugs". It also sent mobile phone numbers so that the warehouse worker or carriers could arrange deliveries directly.
The 58 kg of cocaine and the 40 kg of cannabis
For the second suspect, the investigator referred to conversations with the storekeeper about the transport of large quantities of drugs. From the examination of the communications, according to what was said before the court, it emerged that she allegedly cooperated with both him and the first suspect.
The second is accused of possession of part of the drugs seized in the warehouse, specifically at least about 58 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of cannabis. He also allegedly received large sums of money from the storekeeper, on the instructions of the first suspect.
A separate reference was made to a conversation on February 12, during which the second suspect allegedly sent geographical coordinates for the parking of a van-type vehicle in the province of Larnaca. The storekeeper would inform two of the carriers accordingly.
Based on what he said, the investigator, "according to the information received during the investigation of the case, the 3rd and 4th persons (transporters) went to a specific point in Aradippou where they transported a van-type vehicle which they received on February 13 transporting 100 kilograms of narcotics to Nicosia."
The coordinates and the pistol dummy
For the third suspect, the investigator stated that the conversations show that he was storing quantities of cocaine and cannabis in the premises of the alleged warehouseman. Communications between them for drug shipments were also detected.
As for the fourth suspect originally from Bulgaria, according to the police testimony, he sent geographical coordinates to the warehouseman, who then allegedly forwarded them to the transporters, so that the drug deliveries could be made.
Scientific testimony was also presented for the same suspect. According to the investigator, his genetic profile is identical to genetic material found in a pistol dummy, which had been found in one of the warehouses on February 19.
Their arrests and responses
As reported in court, the first was arrested today at 5.00 in the morning at the Central Prison, answering "I don't know anything". According to information, the convict in question was previously convicted of another drug case.
The second was spotted driving in Larnaca and was arrested at 4.30 in the morning, answering "I have nothing to say", an answer given by the fourth suspect.
The third was arrested at 5.00 in the morning and replied "I want my lawyer". During the search of his home, €2.515 and two mobile phones were found, which he stated belonged to him.
Genetic profiles of 11 males and one female
"Important investigative work remains to complete the investigations," the investigator said, requesting their detention for five days.
According to him, the taking of about eight statements from the family, friends and work environment of the suspects, as well as investigative testimonies from them and the investigation of any of their allegations, are pending.
In evidence of the case, as mentioned, genetic profiles of 11 unknown men and one unknown woman were identified, among other things.
The judge: "I am satisfied with the connection of the suspects"
Although the lawyers did not object to the request for detention, the judge pointed out that she should have considered it. He clarified that, at this stage, the object is to verify the reasonableness of the suspicions and the substance of the testimony is not evaluated.
Based on what was put before her, she ruled that the commission of the offenses under investigation is revealed and that there is testimony linking all four suspects to them. He also referred to their connection with the person of the original case who is already being tried in the Criminal Court.
In conclusion, he said: "I am satisfied with the connection of the suspects with the offenses under investigation", ordering their five-day detention.
Operation "Grid" and the 26 arrests
Meanwhile, seven of the 26 arrested were brought before the Nicosia District Court for the purpose of issuing detention orders.
Four persons aged 30, 34, 37 and 41 were brought before a court for offenses of illegal possession of drugs and related offenses. A five-day detention order was secured against them.
Three other persons aged 33, 35 and 48 were also brought before the Nicosia District Court, in separate proceedings concerning, among other things, illegal possession of explosives. A five-day detention order was secured against them for the 33-year-old and 35-year-old, while for the 48-year-old a two-day detention order.
As for the rest of those arrested, some of them were interrogated and charged in writing to be summoned later before a court, while others were released pending the investigative examinations.
As for the rest of the arrested, some were interrogated and charged in writing to be summoned at a later stage before a Court, while the rest were released pending further investigative examinations.
Update 2 -
With a sweeping operation that resulted in 26 arrests, searches in 27 premises nationwide, seizures of real estate and movable property worth more than €750,000 but above all a critical blow to drug trafficking networks, the Department that will fight organized crime was officially established.
Some of the arrested were allegedly "burned", as it was said yesterday in Court, by the conversations they had with a person who is now on trial. Specifically, the so-called "storekeeper" of the Strovolos hideout, where the 233 kilograms of drugs were found last February, received instructions for the receipt, purchase or distribution of the drugs to third parties and made payments. From the thorough investigations of the members of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE), it emerged that the drugs were imported into Cyprus, stored in the warehouse in Strovolos and from there through "partners" they were distributed to smaller networks. As it was clarified, the 26 arrested are not all related to the drug trafficking ring, but some indictees and four other arrested appear to be being investigated for drug issues.
In fact, according to information from "F", during yesterday's searches in their cells, two mobile phones were found in one of them which will be forensically examined. The Police know who is at the top of the pyramid of the criminal organization who is the one who puts the big money to import the drugs, but for now they are out of arrest. As it is estimated, if the DAOE had in its arsenal the right to monitor phones, it would have dismantled the entire circuit.
The starting point of yesterday's investigations was an operation by YKAN on February 19, 2026. Members of the Service stopped a vehicle in which two people were riding and found 11.480 firecrackers, while quantities of cannabis and cocaine were found in the possession of one of the occupants. This was followed by searches of a residence and premises connected to the driver, where 167 kilograms of cannabis, 62 kilograms of cocaine and 4,5 kilograms of cannabis resin were seized, as well as firearms, explosive devices, a sum of money and electronic cigarettes that appear to contain narcotic substances.
How we got to 26 arrests
After locating the 233 kilograms of cannabis and cocaine, the Police did not rest. He began to look for the course of money. After analyzing data and information as well as data acquired through technology, it became clear how the team acted as well as who were part of its chain. Following this and in cooperation with MOKAS, bank accounts of both the arrested and other persons were opened, while a search was also carried out at the Land Registry. As a result, cash amounting to €350,000 was frozen in bank accounts. At the same time, the investigations identified and received:
– €25,025 in cash and 37 mobile phones.
– A pistol, a shotgun, 13 cartridges of various calibers and 534 hunting cartridges.
– A small amount of cannabis, two grinders with a small amount of cannabis, two half-smoked cigarettes with cannabis and about – 10 grams of cocaine.
– Eight precision scales.
– 354 firecrackers, 456 flares, 22 fireworks, 192 sparklers and two smoke bombs.
The offenses under investigation concern, among other things, illegal supply and possession of class A and B controlled drugs, possession for the purpose of supply, participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit a felony, participation and acceptance of the commission of crimes and money laundering. Offenses of illegal possession of explosives and circulation of pharmaceutical products without the required license are also being examined.
In the financial part of the investigation, in cooperation with MOKAS, court orders were secured for a house, pieces of land, ten cars and two motorcycles, with a total estimated value of approximately €400,000. One vehicle is a Porsche brand.
Among those arrested in the "Plexma" operation of the Police, there is a person of Turkish origin in whose possession a pistol was found. According to the Police, among those arrested is a person who held a leading role in the group, however most were allegedly collaborators. The persons who pulled the strings escape arrest, but efforts are being made to identify them. It is for this reason that on the basis of court warrants, a check on the electronic data of suspects or other devices in the possession of the Police in order to locate them.
From the analyses of the DAOE, it appeared that persons who were put under its microscope, whether they declared themselves unemployed or did not have a stable job, found themselves with luxury vehicles or with financial comfort that was not justified. Now the burden of the investigations, as the director of the newly established Directorate, Christos Andreou, told "F", is directed towards identifying persons who are high in the pyramid of the group. The head of the IAOE explained that the investigations did not stop after the discovery last February of the large quantities of cannabis and cocaine, but focused on the economic routes behind the illicit profits. With organized efforts and the analysis of the data, the 26 arrests emerged. "Some of them certainly seem to be the head of this criminal group," Mr. Andreou stressed.
It is noted that the operation took place in the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta, as well as in the Central Prisons.
In Court: 7 arrested
After the arrest of the 26 suspects, the Police proceeded to present seven of them before the Nicosia District Court for the purpose of issuing detention orders, as follows: Four persons aged 30, 34, 37 and 41 were brought before a court for offenses of illegal possession of narcotic substances and related offenses. A five-day detention order was secured against them. Three other persons aged 33, 35 and 48 were also brought before the Nicosia District Court, in separate proceedings concerning, among other things, illegal possession of explosives. A five-day detention order was secured against them for the 33-year-old and 35-year-old, while a two-day order was obtained for the 48-year-old. It is noted that five persons who are already convicted did not appear before the Court.
As for the rest of the arrested, some were interrogated and charged in writing to be summoned at a later stage before a Court, while the rest were released pending further investigative examinations.
* * * * * *
The Commissioner for Administration and Protection of Human Rights, Maria Stylianou Lottides, refers to the Attorney General the failure of the Paphos EOA to assist in the investigation of a complaint, violating the law with the possible commission of a criminal offense.
The complaint that the Commissioner's Office was called to investigate concerns the adverse impact of a plot and a residence in the province of Paphos, from the construction of a three-storey building on a neighboring plot. According to the complaint, the three-storey building was erected without observing the prescribed distances from the complainant plot, as a result of which rainwater flowed towards the house and caused damage.
The Commissioner asked the General Director of the EOA Paphos to list, within four weeks, his comments and views in relation to the above reports, whether permits (urban planning and building) were issued for the construction of the three-storey building and whether the terms of the permits were complied with or implemented.
In addition, the reasons why the construction of the building on the border of the plot and in contact with the residence of the complainant may have been allowed with the permits were requested, and the measures taken or will be taken in the event that it is found that the building was erected without permits or in violation of their terms.
The Commissioner's Office sent four letters to the Paphos EOA between August 2025 and May 2026, while in a new letter in July 2026 it reminded the Director General of the Paphos EOA of the obligation of the services, under the law, to provide, when requested, any assistance to the Commissioner's work. She asked to respond within the next fifteen days and pointed out that, otherwise, she would invite him or his representative to come to her Office on a specified date and time.
By letter dated 10 September 2026, the Commissioner invited the Director-General or his representative to come to her Office on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at 09:00, to comment on the allegations of the complaint and to provide the documents related to the complaint under investigation. As noted, neither the Director General nor his representative appeared on the specified date and time.
The Commissioner invokes the legislation, according to which if at any time during the investigation or after it the Commissioner considers that a criminal or disciplinary offence may have been committed by any official, the Commissioner must report the matter to the Attorney General of the Republic or to the competent authority, as the case may be, appropriate measures.
"On October 22, 2026, neither the Director General of EOA Paphos nor his representative came to testify and provide the requested documents, while by the date of this report the Organization had not responded to the repeated requests of my Office. The failure of the EDA Paphos to provide the assistance requested for the investigation of the complaint constitutes a disregard of the institution of the Commissioner", underlines the Commissioner.
As he notes, without the views of the EOA Paphos and the information requested, the Office is unable to evaluate the allegations, complete the investigation and inform about its outcome.
Pursuant to the relevant articles of the legislation, the Commissioner forwarded to the Attorney General of the Republic for further handling the issue of the non-appearance of the General Director of the EOA Paphos or his representative at the appointed time and the non-response of the Organization to the requests of her Office.
* * * * * *
New data in the trial of the two businessmen, 44 and 42 years old, the 49-year-old defendant as well as a 45-year-old woman, who are accused in a case of alleged extortion of tens of thousands of euros from a 77-year-old. The complainant, through an affidavit, withdrew his complaint about the 44-year-old businessman, stating, according to information from flenews, that the accused is not involved in the case.
Following this development, the lawyer of the 44-year-old, who is on trial, submitted a new request to be released, on parole. The court reserved its decision for tomorrow at 11 am. It is noted that today the case was set so that the defendants could answer whether or not they admit guilt.
The case was revealed last June, following a complaint by the 77-year-old. This was followed by the arrest of the 44-year-old and the other three. A few days later, the businessman's 49-year-old brother was arrested, as well as a 51-year-old man after a new complaint by the 77-year-old, who claimed that they tried to influence him to change his testimony. The two had been brought to trial before the Famagusta Court and were released on parole. The 44-year-old, meanwhile, is also accused in a case of alleged influencing a witness for the shooting in Larnaca on January 17, 2026.
It is noted that the 44-year-old along with the other three are accused, among other things, of money laundering, participation in a criminal organization and conspiracy to commit a felony. The 49-year-old is also on trial, who is accused, in addition, of torturing citizens in an illegal casino in Pyla, as well as of the shootings of January 17. The 42-year-old businessman from Nicosia and the 45-year-old are free, on conditional terms.
It is recalled that the 4 defendants were arrested after the 77-year-old complained that between 2021 and 2024 they extorted large sums of money from him. According to his complaint, it all started when, together with his son-in-law, they sold two properties in Pyla worth €3 million. in a company, in which the 42-year-old is a director.
* * * * * *
The Police arrested a 32-year-old man from Limassol yesterday for the arson of a restaurant committed on October 31 in the area of the Limassol Marina. According to the Police, the arrested man confessed during his interrogation to committing the offense.
Testimony against him emerged after intensive investigations and examinations of members of the Limassol Police Department at the scene and in the wider area, as well as from the evaluation of various evidence.
An arrest warrant was obtained against him, on the basis of which he was arrested and taken into custody. The 32-year-old is expected to be brought before the Limassol District Court today, Friday, for the issuance of a detention order.
Update - Step by step, the closed surveillance circuits recorded the movements of the 32-year-old suspect in the arson of a restaurant in Limassol Marina, owned by a 60-year-old Ukrainian businessman. The investigators of the Limassol Police Department managed, through the study of dozens of videos, to reconstruct the entire route he allegedly followed, from his residence in Agios Antonios to the scene of the arson and back.
Of particular importance for the investigation of the case was the recording of the suspect disposing of the jacket, white sweatshirt and gloves he was wearing during the attack in a trash can. The specific objects were located by the investigators on November 3 and were received as evidence for scientific examinations.
In fact, when the 32-year-old was taken to the offices of the TAE Limassol, he was wearing the same khaki shirt as the one recorded in the closed circuits as the perpetrator was wearing, after he had previously thrown away the rest of his clothes.
The 32-year-old was arrested yesterday and today he was brought before the Limassol District Court. The investigators requested the issuance of an eight-day detention order, a request which was approved by the Court.
According to the evidence presented before the Court, the suspect allegedly started on foot from his residence in Agios Antonios and initially headed to a parking lot. There, as recorded in the videos, he received objects from a place with dense vegetation, where he had previously hidden them.
He then moved to the Limassol Marina, following a specific route. From the footage, it was found that he entered the surrounding area of the restaurant and placed an object in front of the glass window of the premises.
On his way, he allegedly wore white shoes, dark pants and a dark jacket with a fur hood, while he had his face covered.
After the arson, he left on foot, following the same route. At one point he is recorded removing his jacket, white sweatshirt and gloves and throwing them in a trash can near Yiltiz Street. He then continued his course on foot and returned to his residence.
Of decisive importance for his identification was another closed circuit surveillance, from which his face was recorded at a specific point. The relevant video was examined by members of the Police and identified by a police officer as the 32-year-old suspect. Further checks on the computerized system of the Police verified his details and confirmed his home address.
After his arrest, the 32-year-old was interrogated in writing and allegedly admitted to committing the offense, describing his way of acting. On the same day, his residence was searched, with his written consent, without finding anything.
The chronicle of the arson
The arson attack took place on October 31, 2026, around 5:15 in the morning, when information was received at the Police Message Control Center in Limassol about a fire in a restaurant in Limassol Marina, owned by a 60-year-old businessman from Ukraine.
Members of the Limassol Police Department and the TAE went to the scene and from the on-site examinations it was found that the fire had been maliciously set in the glass display case of the restaurant. Both the glass display case and equipment outside the premises were damaged.
The fire was extinguished by private security guards of the Limassol Marina, before spreading to the interior of the restaurant. With the first light of day, the examinations continued by members of the Limassol Police Department and the Fire Service, with the investigations showing that flammable material was used for the arson.
Under the microscope and possible connection with gunshots
Investigators continue to investigate all possibilities, while it is being examined whether the 32-year-old may be connected to another criminal act, specifically a shooting case at the company building in Linopetra.
To complete the examinations, it is planned to take about 31 additional testimonies from persons in the suspect's friendly, family and professional environment, as well as from people directly or indirectly related to the case. Some deposits will be taken with the help of an interpreter.
At the same time, scene indications are expected to be carried out by the suspect, additional footage from closed surveillance circuits will be examined and telecommunications and banking data will be secured, which may help clarify the motive behind the arson act.
As part of the investigations, two more searches are planned in specific areas to locate and receive evidence.
* * * * * *
The Police in Paphos arrested two minors aged 15 yesterday, as part of an investigation into a case involving the offenses of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft and malicious damage.
Specifically, around 7:40 a.m. yesterday, while a member of the Police was outside a primary school in Paphos, he found two motorcycles parked without registration plates and with obvious signs of damage in various parts.
Two young people arrived at the scene, who tried to leave on the motorcycles in question, but were stopped by the member of the Police. In response to relevant questions regarding the possession of motorcycles, they did not give sufficient and satisfactory explanations as to the legality of their possession and were arrested for the self-inflicted crime of illegal possession of property.
Further examinations revealed that the two arrested are 15 years old, while the two motorcycles had been stolen in the previous days from a company in Paphos.
The two arrested were re-arrested on the basis of arrest warrants for the offenses of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft and malicious damage and were brought before the Paphos District Court today, which issued a four-day detention order against them.
The Paphos TAE continues the examinations.
* * * * * *
The 26 year old Israeli in whose possession a loaded shotgun with cut barrels, as well as 11 full cartridges, was found in a vehicle in Limassol, admitted the charges The case was registered yesterday (5/11) before the Limassol District Court, where the 26-year-old was called to answer the charges he faces, which concern the illegal possession and transport of a firearm, specifically a double-barrelled with cut barrels, as well as the possession and transport of explosives, i.e. cartridges.
The accused admitted the charges and, after this development, was detained until next week, when he is expected to be sentenced. As for the 21-year-old woman who was with him, she was released without being charged.
According to the facts of the case, around 1:25 in the morning of October 31, a citizen informed members of the Limassol OPE that there was a firearm in a parked vehicle. Members of the Police put the vehicle under discreet surveillance and around 1:45, they saw a man and a woman entering it. After showing them their police status, as they were in civilian clothes, they proceeded to search the vehicle.
During it, a loaded double-barrel with cut barrels was found in the back seat. When the gun was pointed out to the two, they denied that it belonged to them, as a result of which they were arrested. Further investigation also found a bag, which contained 11 full cartridges. From the examinations carried out through the computerized system of the Police, it was found that the specific double-barrelled machine gun was registered to a person who died in March 2024. The 26-year-old had arrived in Cyprus last September as a visitor while he told the police that he was in Limassol for a walk, as he lives in another city in Cyprus.
* * * * * *
The Police arrested two persons aged 27 and 33, as part of the investigation of cases of illegal entry and theft from a residence committed in the province of Nicosia.
Specifically, yesterday, a 90-year-old woman complained to the Nicosia Police Department that, around 1 p.m. On the same day, an unknown woman entered her house and stole a sum of money as well as a number of gold items.
Around 5 p.m. of the same day, members of the Nicosia Police Department located and identified the suspect, aged 27. In a subsequent search, a sum of money amounting to €560 and a number of pieces of gold were found in her possession, for which she did not provide sufficient and satisfactory explanations for the legality of their possession, resulting in her spontaneous arrest for the crime of illegal possession of property.
During the examinations, the 27-year-old allegedly admitted to committing the theft from the residence, while she also named a 33-year-old woman as involved in other cases of theft from residences.
Today, the 27-year-old and the 33-year-old were arrested on the basis of court warrants and taken into custody for investigation purposes.
Tomorrow they are expected to be re-arrested and appear before the Nicosia District Court for the issuance of detention orders, in relation to two more cases of theft from houses committed in the Nicosia district.
The TAE of Nicosia continues the examinations.
* * * * * *
The Supreme Court ordered the retrial of the application of three relatives of the Cypriot socialite accused in a criminal case in relation to a person detained in prison. Accepting an appeal by the Attorney General, he overturned the decision by which he annulled the decree by which the three persons were obliged to give genetic material, DNA.
The decree was issued by the District Court of Nicosia in the context of an application by the Police which was investigating a case of committing the offenses of conspiracy to commit a felony and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, offenses in violation of the Prevention of Corruption Law, Cap. 161, illegal possession of property and offenses in violation of the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering, in which there were reasonable suspicions that a total of five persons were involved, including the three applicants as suspects.
Specifically, in an envelope with money found in a bank deposit box belonging to the socialite (the search warrant was cancelled), unknown genetic material had been found, which is why the three were asked to give a saliva sample, but they refused. The Police secured a court order and finally took genetic material.
On 3.4.2026, a judge of the Supreme Court issued a Privileged Certiorari Warrant annulling the decree for DNA collection by the applicants. The Attorney General appealed against this decision and the Supreme Court in its appellate jurisdiction, overturned the first instance judgment, finding that Article 25 of the Police Law cannot be examined and is applied in isolation from Law 44(I)/2019, but in conjunction with it.
"As long as there is domestic legislation, harmonizing with the Directive of the European Council, which contains a provision for the obligation of the competent Authority to ensure the receipt and processing of personal data based on the principles of necessity and proportionality, then it cannot be said that the national legislation violates the Directive", the Supreme Court points out. Furthermore, the Supreme Court held that the conclusion of the Court of First Instance that the finding that the "rigid and insufficient" criteria of Article 25 do not make it compatible with the Directive and that Article 25 also violates Article 52 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union was erroneous.
The conditions, he said, set in the domestic legislation are in line with the Directive and the Charter, with the result that the question was whether the specific decree satisfied the principles of necessity and proportionality, conditions set by the Directive and the Charter.
In the end, it ordered the retrial of the application in order to examine the remaining issues, namely the question of the time limit for the deletion of the data and whether the principles of necessity and proportionality for the adoption of the decree were met.
* * * * * *
A wedding kept secret by the bride's family, due to the groom's Nigerian origin, has been at the center of a legal dispute, with immigration authorities declaring it fictitious and the Administrative Court eventually overturning the decision, ruling that important evidence about the couple's relationship had remained unexplored. Among other things, the Administrative Court, which overturned the first instance decision, ruled that the existence of a joint bank account, the reasons why the spouses did not live together, as well as newer information about their address of residence were not properly evaluated.
The case concerns a marriage that took place in September 2019 between the appellant and a Cypriot national. In November 2022, the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department informed the Nigerian, through a letter, that his marriage had been deemed fictitious.
The decision referred, among other things, to the couple's non-cohabitation, the lack of common obligations arising from the marriage, contradictions in the statements of the two spouses, problems that allegedly existed in relation to the foreigner's residence permit, as well as other information that, according to the administration, raised suspicions of the fictitious nature of the marriage.
In April 2023, the administration went a step further, designating the man as a prohibited migrant and issuing deportation and detention orders against him. He appealed to the courts both against the decision to classify the marriage as sham and against the subsequent deportation and detention measures.
The two appeals were joined by the Administrative Court, which on October 11, 2023 rejected them. The foreigner appealed, challenging the judgment of the Court of First Instance as to the fictitious nature of the marriage and arguing that the administration had not carried out the required investigation.
The Administrative Court of Appeal clarified from the beginning that the appeal concerned exclusively the decision to classify the marriage as fictitious. The first-instance judgment on his classification as a prohibited immigrant and the deportation and detention orders were not challenged by a specific ground of appeal and, therefore, remain res judicata.
Examining the evidence in the case, the Court of Appeal found that the authorities had carried out checks and personal interviews with the two spouses, but without adequately evaluating all the data before them.
Particular attention was paid to the fact that, during the couple's separate interviews on 20 February 2021, no contradiction was found in their answers. At the time, the Cypriot woman had explained that her family did not know about the marriage, because she did not approve of the relationship due to her husband's citizenship and wished to remain secret.
In fact, during the inspection that followed, the owner of the house in which they declared that they lived confirmed that the Cypriot had taken over the management of the house, while another tenant confirmed the couple's cohabitation by phone. In the minutes of the competent committee it was recorded at the time that the harmonious coexistence of the two was not in dispute.
However, in a new check in March 2022, the couple was not located at the previously declared address. During the interview, the foreigner stated that he still lived there, while his wife stated that they did not live together, as she lived with her parents in Engomi, because she did not want to reveal her marriage to her family. She mentioned, however, that she visited her husband almost every day.
The authorities also found that the man lived with his compatriots in Strovolos and that the couple had no common social or financial obligations.
An important part of the case was a letter from the Cypriot's parents to the Minister of Interior, dated August 1, 2022. In it, they claimed that their daughter had secretly married the Nigerian, a few days before leaving for the United Kingdom and that the family knew nothing about their relationship. They expressed the belief that their daughter had been exploited and demanded the revocation of her husband's residence permit.
The Court of Appeal, however, pointed out that the same letter contained elements that had to be evaluated from a different perspective. In particular, the parents confirmed both the existence of the marriage and the fact that their daughter maintained an emotional bond with her husband. According to the Court, the strong reaction of the family and the attempt to revoke the foreigner's residence permit may have confirmed the reasons given by the Cypriot woman for her decision to keep the marriage secret.
In addition, the Court found that the authorities did not take into account a newer address of residence declared by the foreign national in his application in June 2022, even though this element was before them both at the meeting of the Advisory Committee on 3 November 2022 and at the time of the adoption of the decision on 8 November 2022.
The invocation by the administration of the fact that the foreigner had problems with his residence permit was also disputed. As the Court of Appeal noted, the administrative file showed that he had submitted his applications for the settlement of his legal stay in a timely and formal manner. At the same time, the previous submission of an application for international protection, which was rejected, could not in itself constitute an indication that the marriage that followed was fictitious.
It was also decisive that in the administrative file there was a joint savings account statement of the two spouses, which had been submitted as part of the June 2022 application. This element, according to the Court of Appeal, does not appear to have been properly taken into account or investigated by the authorities.
"The administration's conclusion on the sham of the appellant's marriage was not reasonably taken," the decision characteristically states, pointing out that several facts surrounding the couple had not been sufficiently investigated.
Consequently, the Administrative Court of Appeal upheld the grounds of appeal, overturned the first-instance decision on the specific issue and annulled the decision of the administration by which the marriage had been characterized as fictitious.
The appellant was ordered to pay €3,000, plus VAT, against the Republic of Cyprus.
* * * * * *
Six arrest warrants in relation to offenses for conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, assault on police officers and malicious damage, were issued yesterday by the Police. The offenses were committed on October 27 outside the Prodromos church in Larnaca and the warrants concern six minors aged 14-17.
Two have already been arrested and the remaining four are wanted. It is recalled that the incident involved an attack with stones against a police official vehicle.
In fact, the incident was condemned by the Equality union, stating that "the attack on police officers performing their duty cannot be treated as an ordinary incident of damage to property, but it is an extremely dangerous and unacceptable action, which could have a tragic end".
Describing the incident, he said that the members of the Police responded to a call for an incident in the area of the Holy Church of Timios Prodromos and during their transition they were attacked by unknown persons.
The stones shattered the front windscreen and caused extensive damage to the vehicle, without injuring any member of the Police.
Update - The uncontrollable dimensions that juvenile delinquency has taken on are evidenced by the attack by a group of minors, most of them 14 years old, on a fire truck and a patrol car that rushed after a fire in bins in Larnaca.
The incredible thing is that there are testimonies to the Police, according to a competent source, which show that the minors, all Greek Cypriots, deliberately lit a fire in the bins in order for a patrol car to rush to the spot and throw stones at it. By noon on Friday (6/11), two 14-year-olds had been arrested, while three other peers and a 17-year-old are wanted, who were identified after analyzing material from closed circuit surveillance.
The offenses were committed on October 27 outside the church of Timios Prodromos in Larnaca. Initially, a fire truck rushed to the scene after a call for a fire in two trash cans. The young people started throwing stones at the fire truck, which was removed. Members of the Police also rushed to the area in a patrol car, which received a rain of stones. The stones shattered the front windscreen and caused extensive damage to the vehicle, without injuring any member of the Police.
The incident was condemned by the Equality union, stating that "the attack on police officers performing their duty cannot be treated as an ordinary incident of damage to property, but it is an extremely dangerous and unacceptable action, which could have a tragic end".
* * * * * *
The complainant was allegedly tortured with a pistol in his mouth, knife threats, belt blows and an electric evacuation device, but he then withdrew his complaint and stated that he did not wish to testify against the accused. The Court of Appeal, however, ruled that his folding does not overturn the evidence and rejected the request for the release of the accused, who remains in custody ahead of his trial for deprivation of liberty, torture and causing actual bodily harm.
In a unanimous decision, dated 5 November 2026, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Larnaca Criminal Court to continue the detention of the accused, ruling that the complainant's new statement does not overturn the evidence already put before the Court or eliminate the possibility of conviction.
The defendant faces, along with another person, three charges relating to deprivation of the complainant's liberty with a view to subjecting him to treatment that would endanger causing grievous bodily harm, torture and causing actual bodily harm.
According to the indictment, the complainant was allegedly subjected to violent treatment, which included putting a pistol in the mouth, belt blows to the head and other parts of the body, kicks, use of an electric discharge device, and threatening with a knife. He is also attributed injuries to the forearm, upper lip and scalp.
The detention of the accused was initially decided due to the risk of evasion of justice. His defense then objected to the continuation of the detention, citing a differentiation of the data concerning him. The matter came back before the Criminal Court when the case, which was set for a hearing on October 8, 2026, was postponed, at the request of the co-defendant's defense, to November 10.
As the main argument for his release, the defendant relied on an affidavit by the complainant, in which the latter stated that he had no complaints from him, that he never beat or threatened him and that he wished to end any proceedings against him. At the same time, he stated that he had no intention of testifying against him and expressed his remorse for the submission of the initial complaint.
The defense argued before the Court of Appeal that this statement was a substantial change in the data, as it was not limited to the withdrawal of the complaint, but also refuted the initial allegations against the accused. Consequently, it requested that the detention be reviewed and replaced with security conditions.
The Court of Appeal, however, held that the complainant's initial testimonies were still part of the witness material and that his subsequent change of attitude did not negate what had already been recorded. As pointed out in the decision, the new affidavit does not substantially weaken the case of the Prosecution or eliminate the possibility of conviction.
The judges also underlined that the charges concern acts attributed jointly to the accused and a third party, on the basis of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code for participation in an offense. Therefore, the complainant's statement that the specific defendant did not beat or threaten him does not overturn the true background of the charges.
The Court of Appeal reiterated that the detention of a defendant until the trial is an exceptional measure, as the starting point of any relevant decision must be individual freedom. However, it noted that the review of a detention that has already been decided presupposes the existence of substantial new data justifying a different approach.
Finding that the Criminal Court correctly examined the facts and adequately reasoned its decision, the Court of Appeal rejected all four grounds of appeal, upholding the continued detention of the accused.
The case is set for a hearing before the Larnaca Criminal Court on November 10, 2026.
* * * * * *
Two persons aged 22 and 28 were arrested yesterday by the Police, to facilitate investigations into an investigated case of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted murder, committed on November 4, 2026, in Paphos.
The case was reported by a 74-year-old resident of Paphos, according to whom around 4 p.m. of November 4, while he was outside an apartment complex in Paphos, an unknown driver tried to hit him with his car, but without success.
The driver then allegedly drove his car and deliberately crashed into the complainant's car, causing damage to it.
According to the 74-year-old, after the suspicious vehicle left the scene, two unknown persons approached, who allegedly threw chairs at the complainant, injuring him in the legs, back and head.
The 74-year-old visited Paphos General Hospital, where it was found that he suffered a haematoma on the back of the head, a fractured nose and abrasions on the legs. He was detained for treatment in the hospital and was discharged yesterday.
As part of the investigation of the case, testimony emerged against the 22-year-old and the 28-year-old, who were arrested under a court warrant and taken into custody to facilitate investigations.
The two arrested were brought before the Paphos District Court in the morning, which issued a six-day detention order against him.
The Paphos TAE continues the examinations.
* * * * * *
A three-month prison sentence with a three-year suspension, as well as a fine of €500, was imposed today by the Court on a 32-year-old man from the Limassol district, for a case of illegal possession of wild birds and game found on October 30, 2025.
Specifically, during a check at the accused's home, hundreds of wild birds were found, including ampelope, thrush, as well as 702 birds without plumage.
Specifically, according to the facts of the case, three live birds were found in his possession, including two shearwaters and a quail, as well as 13 dead wild birds, 12 ampelopopouli and one thrush. In addition, 702 wild birds without plumage were identified.
The 32-year-old faced two charges. The first concerned the possession of wild birds whose hunting and capture are prohibited, in violation of the Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Game Law 152(I)/2003, as amended.
The second charge concerned the illegal possession of game, as he kept two shearwaters and a quail in captivity in his home, in violation of the relevant provisions of the legislation.
The Court imposed a three-month suspended prison sentence for a period of three years on the first charge, while for the second it imposed a fine of €500.
When determining the sentence, the defendant's clean criminal record, his immediate admission, his young age, as well as the fact that he had not previously concerned the authorities were taken into account.
