Cypriot authorities believe they have prevented terrorist attacks on the island after three suspects were committed to stand trial before the Criminal Court, which will convene on August 8 in Larnaca. Authorities say they have a clear picture of the suspects’ plans.
The three men — aged 32, 38, and 54 — face charges including terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, money laundering, and membership of a criminal organisation. The hearing was held in camera under heavy security, as Philenews reported earlier today.
The 54-year-old contested his remand, with the court reserving its decision until Friday morning at 10:00am. The other two suspects did not contest their remand. A fourth man — the 57-year-old brother of the 54-year-old — was initially arrested but subsequently released after nothing was found against him.
How the investigation unfolded
The case began to unravel on May 21, when the 32-year-old and the 38-year-old were arrested in the Limassol area. The 38-year-old was found to be residing illegally in Cyprus, having entered government-controlled areas from the occupied north just days earlier.
Searches were then carried out at a house at Governor’s Beach and an apartment in Kamares, Larnaca, both linked to the 32-year-old. Dangerous substances and specific equipment compatible with the manufacture of explosives were found at both properties. A week later, the 54-year-old was arrested in a Larnaca community after information emerged that he had allegedly collected a package on behalf of one of the other suspects.
The 32-year-old’s confession
In his statement, the 32-year-old allegedly confessed that he had been approached by a Palestinian based in Malaysia who offered him financial assistance.
He allegedly travelled abroad four times, receiving instructions on purchasing materials and substances for the manufacture of explosives. According to the same confession, the Palestinian also asked him to photograph specific locations across Cyprus and told him he was a member of Hamas.
The Palestinian — who is being sought by authorities — allegedly promised the 32-year-old a monthly salary and subsequently sent the 38-year-old to Cyprus because of his knowledge of explosives. The 32-year-old also allegedly identified the shops in Cyprus where he purchased the materials found at the two properties.
The suspects’ accounts
The 38-year-old, who investigators established lives in Malaysia with his family and works as a physics teacher, claimed he came to Cyprus to seek asylum and said he had no knowledge of the materials. He said he had met the 32-year-old in Malaysia two years ago and that the latter was to host him.
The 54-year-old claims he has no connection to the case. He has lived in Cyprus for 40 years, holds Cypriot citizenship, and four of his children serve in the security forces — in the police and the National Guard.
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