Newsroom
Three men remain in custody after a planned criminal attack was prevented, with investigators examining a possible connection to a previous killing.
A major police operation in Limassol has led to the arrest of three men and the prevention of a suspected serious criminal attack, with information suggesting the investigation may be connected to a murder committed years ago in the Larnaca district.
The suspects, aged 36, 48 and 70, were arrested during Operation Aegis, a coordinated police action targeting organised crime. At least two of the arrests reportedly took place in Limassol, where officers intercepted a rental vehicle carrying two of the men.
Particular attention has focused on the 70-year-old suspect, who is believed to have family ties to a person murdered in Larnaca several years ago. A man was subsequently convicted and imprisoned for that killing. Investigators are now examining information suggesting that the convicted individual may have been the intended target of the criminal attack allegedly being planned.
Police have not confirmed any connection between the two cases. The possible motive behind the suspected attack has also not been established.
According to the police announcement, Operation Aegis was launched on Tuesday following the assessment of intelligence and operational information gathered as part of intensified efforts to tackle organised criminal activity.
The investigation covers a number of serious suspected offences, including conspiracy to commit murder and other felonies, illegal possession and transportation of explosives, participation in a criminal organisation and money laundering.
Authorities are also examining alleged immigration-related offences involving entry into the Republic through a prohibited port and the presence of a prohibited immigrant.
Police have stressed that the operation achieved more than the arrest of the three suspects, as officers also prevented a serious criminal act from being carried out.
Investigators from the Organised Crime Combating Directorate are continuing their work alongside other specialised police units to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine whether further individuals were involved.
