Newsroom
A 36-year-old Latvian national pleaded not guilty to charges in connection with the murder of 47-year-old Ernest Leonides, who was clipped back in February at a Limassol restaurant.
The accused man is facing a total of nine charges, including premeditated murder, in connection with the slaying of Leonides, who is believed to have been killed by Russian mob operatives after breaking a strict mob code of conduct.
Interpol issued a Green Notice for the 31-year-old, meaning an individual who committed crimes is likely to repeat them in other countries
Police have obtained telephone records that link the hit on Leonides with Russian operatives but they don’t have all the suspects in custody.
The 36-year-old, who denies any part in the murder, admitted to crime investigators that he was friendly with a 31-year-old Georgian national, believed to have been one of the Leonides’ three killers.
The 31-year-old remains at large and police say he is considered extremely dangerous. Interpol issued a Green Notice for him, which provides warnings and intelligence on individuals who have committed criminal offences and are likely to repeat similar crimes in other countries.
The Latvian suspect will remain in custody at Nicosia Central Prisons until his next trial hearing on June 29.
Arrest warrants for six other Georgian nationals and another Russian are reportedly connected to the case.
