Police are conducting a major operation at a warehouse in a Nicosia village as part of investigations into an attempted murder and arson attack on four rental cars in Pyla on 14 August.
The warehouse, located in a remote area, contained the vehicle used by perpetrators and appears to have been used by a criminal network who were arrested, according to sources. The discovery may lead to connections with other criminal activities committed recently.
Police have arrested five men in connection with the crime, which appears to have been orchestrated from Central Prison. Three suspects are believed to be the direct perpetrators of the attack.
Five arrested in prison-orchestrated attack plot
The arrested individuals include a 23-year-old suspected of vehicle arson, a 17-year-old accused of shooting at a security guard, a 17-year-old believed to have driven the getaway vehicle, a 27-year-old who allegedly provided the vehicle to perpetrators, and a 44-year-old convict in Central Prison.
Investigations focus on four serious criminal acts committed in July and August in Larnaca: attempted murder of a 49-year-old in Pyla, attempted murder of a 47-year-old in the industrial area of Dromolaxia, shooting at a 25-year-old woman’s vehicle in Oroklini, and arson of a 42-year-old’s car in Aradippou.
One 17-year-old suspect also faces charges for vehicle arson in June involving a person known to authorities. The minor was free on bail conditions at the time.
Search uncovers criminal network evidence linking multiple crimes
Larnaca CID chief Giorgos Charalambous indicated additional arrests cannot be ruled out, though investigators believe most pieces of the Pyla attack puzzle have been completed. The organised crime appears motivated by score-settling.
The breakthrough came with the accidental arrest on 22 August in Paphos of an 18-year-old who allegedly stole the green saloon car from Kolossi on 13 August. The youth reportedly admitted selling two stolen vehicles to the 27-year-old, who said they would be used for “some jobs” by the 44-year-old convict.
Police arrested the 27-year-old on 26 August following an operation in Anavargos, Paphos. The suspect allegedly arranged the stolen vehicle purchase following instructions from the imprisoned 44-year-old, delivering it to three perpetrators in Paphos hours before the attack.
Investigators are examining a CCTV screenshot found on the detained 27-year-old’s mobile phone showing the vehicle handover location and three perpetrators. Police are analysing seven mobile phones and examining clothing and evidence seized from suspects’ homes.
Scene reconstructions occurred yesterday and today in both Paphos and Pyla under strict security measures following voluntary statements secured by police.
Read more: