Four arrested in connection with escape of armed fugitive

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the escape of 42-year-old convicted felon Doros Theofanous, known as "The Hairdresser," who fled custody on Thursday, September 26. Among those arrested are Theofanous' 68-year-old father and a 43-year-old man, both charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and aiding in the escape. Two additional suspects, a 51-year-old man and his 26-year-old son, were apprehended on Friday night under similar charges, bringing the total number of arrests to four.

The arrests come as authorities intensify their search for Theofanous, who escaped from his parent’s home in Choletria, Paphos, where he was temporarily staying after receiving a prison furlough. The convicted criminal, who is reportedly armed with a pistol, is believed to have planned an elaborate escape route through the occupied territories to Istanbul, with the ultimate goal of reaching Colombia. Investigators revealed that his father had sold real estate to fund the operation.

A Carefully Orchestrated Plan

Authorities disclosed that Theofanous had meticulously planned his escape. After gaining permission to visit his father’s home, he allegedly built enough trust with his escorts to be allowed outside briefly, a moment he used to flee through a window. The fugitive, who is serving a life sentence, had prior experience with prison release procedures, which helped him exploit security gaps. Four prison guards and three police officers tasked with escorting him have been suspended for their roles in the incident. Notably, Theofanous was not handcuffed during the visit, contrary to standard protocol.

Ongoing Manhunt

Search efforts have been in full swing since the escape, with law enforcement deploying helicopters, drones, and trained dogs to track Theofanous, who remains at large. The focus of the search has now shifted to the Limassol District, where investigators believe he was assisted by the father-and-son duo arrested on Friday.

The photograph of Theofanous, taken by family members just moments before his escape, has been released by police to help the public identify him. Authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward, as the manhunt continues.

[With info from 24 News]