A 37-year-old Greek Cypriot known to Cypriot law enforcement authorities from a high-profile drug trafficking case in 2020 is now at the centre of a major fraud investigation involving vehicle imports and sales.
The suspect was arrested at Larnaca Airport in the early hours of Thursday, immediately upon his arrival in Cyprus, under a court warrant.
His arrest followed detention in the United Kingdom under a European Arrest Warrant issued by Cypriot authorities, after which extradition proceedings were completed.
Police investigating 20 cases
According to police, the suspect is being investigated in connection with 20 cases involving allegations of:
- Theft.
- Obtaining property by false pretences.
- Money laundering.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2022 and 2023 in Limassol and Nicosia.
The combined value of money and vehicles allegedly obtained through the scheme is estimated at €827,400.
Information available to investigators suggests the number of complainants could ultimately exceed the cases formally reported so far.
Alleged scheme involved vehicle imports
Based on evidence under investigation, the 37-year-old allegedly presented himself as an importer of vehicles from abroad, persuading prospective buyers to pay deposits for cars he claimed would be imported into Cyprus.
Police allege that the vehicles were never purchased or delivered.
In other cases, he is alleged to have undertaken the sale of vehicles on behalf of private owners and, after reselling them, failed to pass the proceeds to their lawful owners.
Eight-day detention order issued
The suspect appeared before the Limassol District Court without legal representation.
Investigators from the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested an eight-day detention order to allow completion of investigative work.
The suspect did not object to the application and the court granted the request.
Further investigative steps planned
During his detention, investigators are expected to obtain a formal statement from the suspect.
Police will also collect handwriting and signature samples for forensic examination.
In addition, investigators are planning identification procedures involving individuals who have filed complaints.
Previous involvement in major drug case
The 37-year-old previously came to the attention of authorities in the case involving the export of hundreds of kilograms of MDMA concealed inside barbecue grills and destined for Australia.
He admitted guilt to a charge of conspiracy to commit a felony and was sentenced to four years in prison.
The suspect subsequently entered the witness protection programme and cooperated with authorities.
As part of that arrangement, more serious charges were withdrawn in exchange for testimony against a co-defendant, a case that generated significant public debate and criticism regarding the operation of the witness protection programme.
