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A 43-year-old Russian national wanted in connection with the murder of Greek organised crime figure Vangelis Zampounis has been arrested in Agios Amvrosios, Kyrenia, according to Turkish Cypriot authorities and local media reports.
The man, identified by the initials A.S., was initially detained over alleged violations relating to a military restricted zone and illegal residence in the occupied area. Further checks reportedly found that he was the subject of an international search linked to the January 2024 killing in Athens.
“Police” told a “court” that A.S. had been living in the occupied area without a residence permit since July 31, 2025. Investigators also alleged that he had crossed between the occupied area and the Republic of Cyprus through a first-degree military restricted area near Ercan Airport.
According to his reported statement to “police”, he had secretly crossed from the occupied area into the Republic of Cyprus through the restricted area before later returning to the occupied area through the same area in July 2026.
A.S. appeared before a “court” following his arrest, with “police” requesting additional time to investigate his activities and determine why he had been staying in the occupied area and whether he had been involved in any other offences.
“Judge” Zehra Bilgeç ordered that he remain in “police” custody for three days.
International murder investigation
The case took a more serious turn following further reporting by Kamalı News Agency, which said its investigation identified A.S. as an internationally wanted suspect in the Zampounis murder case.
Zampounis was shot dead on January 14, 2024, outside a petrol station in the Neos Kosmos district of Athens. The attack was reportedly carried out as an armed ambush and has been investigated as part of a wider organised crime case.
A.S. is reportedly considered a key suspect in the investigation and is wanted by Interpol and Europol, according to the Turkish Cypriot report.
The reports also allege that the suspect has links to organised crime groups.
The latest arrest means authorities in the occupied area are now investigating both the immigration and military-zone offences for which A.S. was initially detained and the information concerning his alleged involvement in the Athens killing.
The allegations have not been tested in court and A.S. remains a suspect in the case.
