Police believe they have arrested the alleged leader and coordinator of a terrorist organisation that, according to evidence gathered by investigators, was planning attacks against Israeli targets in Cyprus.
Developments in the case, which has attracted the attention of authorities in both Cyprus and Greece as well as international security agencies, have moved rapidly in recent days.
The Larnaca CID announced the arrest of a 41-year-old third-country national, who was located in an Asian country and transferred to Cyprus following a coordinated operation.
The suspect is believed to have played a key leadership role in the organisation and had been under investigation for some time.
Larnaca CID chief George Charalambous said officers from the department, working in cooperation with other agencies of the Republic, arrested the 41-year-old in connection with the terrorism investigation and brought him to Cyprus.
Last Saturday, the suspect appeared before the Larnaca District Court, which issued an eight-day remand order.
He is being investigated for a number of serious offences, including:
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Conspiracy to murder
- Money laundering
- Participation in a criminal organisation
Investigators believe the 41-year-old was responsible for coordinating and directing the alleged terrorist group, while the three other suspects previously arrested in the same case, who are already facing trial before the Larnaca Assize Court, are believed to have travelled abroad to meet and maintain contact with him.
Security authorities believe the suspect issued instructions and guidance regarding the activities of the alleged terrorist network.
His arrest is being described as one of the most significant successes achieved by Cypriot law-enforcement authorities in recent years.
As previously reported, a 54-year-old Palestinian man with Cypriot citizenship, together with two other men aged 32 and 38, have already been committed for trial before the Larnaca Assize Court.
All three face the same charges.
The case is scheduled to be heard on 6 August.
