Newsroom
Police have recovered the handbag of 61-year-old Olga Vasilieva from a clothing recycling bin as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding her killing.
The discovery was among several developments presented before the Limassol District Court on Monday, where the 43-year-old man who has confessed to the murder was remanded in custody for a further eight days.
The suspect did not oppose the prosecution's request for an extension of his detention, allowing investigators from the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) additional time to complete their inquiries.
According to information presented in court, police are still seeking approximately 35 witness statements. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and awaiting the results of forensic tests on evidence collected during the investigation.
The suspect is reportedly cooperating with police and has identified locations where he discarded or concealed some of Vasilieva’s personal belongings. Her mobile phone was recovered from the sea off Moni, while her handbag was found in a clothing recycling container.
Police are also examining financial dealings between the suspect and Vasilieva, alongside their banking and telecommunications records, as they work to establish the full circumstances and possible motive behind the killing.
A decision has yet to be made on whether the 43-year-old will face a charge of premeditated murder or manslaughter. The matter is expected to be determined in consultation with the Law Office of the Republic.
According to his statement to investigators, the suspect admitted killing Vasilieva on October 21 by striking her on the head with a hammer. He allegedly took her body the following day to a field in the Saittas area, where he concealed it in a pit.
The investigation remains ongoing.
