Newsroom
It’s been 17 years since Panayiotis Netzati, convicted of one of the most shocking crimes in Cyprus, escaped from the Central Prison on October 14, 2007. To this day, the name of the Turkish Cypriot fugitive remains on Interpol’s wanted list, while the circumstances surrounding his escape continue to baffle authorities.
The Crime That Shook Cyprus
Netzati’s conviction came just two months before his dramatic escape. On August 7, 2007, the Famagusta District Court found him guilty of premeditated murder, rape, and kidnapping. These horrifying crimes, committed on August 17, 2006, in Ayia Napa, claimed the life of a young woman, Yana Kovasova.
The court revealed harrowing details of Netzati’s actions, stating he abducted Kovasova, raped her, and then brutally ended her life out of fear she would leave him after discovering he was married. After his arrest, Netzati led police to the Industrial Area of Idali, where Kovasova’s body was buried near a cliff.
A Grisly Discovery
The scene investigators uncovered was both chilling and tragic. Kovasova’s body had been buried in a shallow grave with her legs tied and bent backward, her arms bound in the same way. A black nylon bag covered her head, and a strap was fastened tightly around her neck. The image remains etched in the collective memory of those who worked the case.
Escape and Espionage Theories
While his crime was horrifying, Netzati’s prison escape only deepened the intrigue. Reports from both Greek and Turkish media at the time suggested Netzati may have been more than just a murderer—rumors swirled that he was an agent for the Turkish secret services (MIT).
Some speculated that after fleeing the Central Prison, Netzati crossed into the occupied territories, where he allegedly lived under various aliases. Turkish Cypriot outlets went further, claiming Netzati might have been a double agent, working for both MIT and Cyprus’ intelligence agency (KYP). None of these claims were ever verified, leaving his true background shrouded in mystery.
An Elusive Fugitive
Despite being listed on Interpol’s red notice database, Netzati has managed to evade capture for nearly two decades. Authorities in both the Republic of Cyprus and the international community have yet to track him down or confirm his whereabouts.
As the anniversary of his escape quietly passes, the case remains a haunting reminder of a brutal crime, a brazen escape, and questions that refuse to be answered.
