The Permanent Criminal Court is expected to deliver its verdict on Friday in the case concerning the murder of 55-year-old businessman Thanasis Kalogeropoulos, who was fatally shot in Limassol in October 2023.
Four defendants are standing trial on a series of charges, including premeditated murder, with authorities implementing extensive security measures at the Limassol court complex ahead of the ruling.
Court to announce verdict
The case relates to the fatal shooting of Kalogeropoulos on 30 October 2023 in the parking area of a seafront restaurant in Agios Tychonas.
According to the prosecution's case, two individuals carried out the shooting before leaving the scene in a vehicle that was later found burned. Investigators have alleged that the suspects subsequently departed from the area on a motorcycle heading towards Skarinou, where a villa linked to one of the defendants is alleged to have been used in connection with planning the killing.
Four defendants face multiple charges
The four defendants, now aged 43, 46, 24 and 23, face a range of charges connected to the case.
The prosecution has assigned differing alleged roles to each defendant. The first and fourth defendants, aged 43 and 23 respectively, were presented by police as the two individuals alleged to have carried out the shooting.
For the 43-year-old defendant, the prosecution presented evidence including the alleged discovery of genetic material on a cartridge case recovered from the crime scene.
In relation to the 23-year-old defendant, the prosecution relied on characteristics which it alleges correspond to one of the individuals identified in movements connected to the case.
Allegations concerning planning and transport
The second defendant, aged 46, owns the villa in Skarinou which, according to the prosecution, served as a location where the alleged murder plot was organised.
During the trial, extensive evidence was examined regarding movements to and from the property before and after the killing.
The third defendant, aged 24, was linked by the prosecution primarily to the movements of the other defendants. Prosecutors allege that he drove a vehicle recorded travelling repeatedly to the villa and later transported the fourth defendant after the murder.
He is also the only defendant facing an additional charge of assisting after the commission of murder.
Defendants deny all allegations
All four defendants have denied the charges against them.
After the Criminal Court ruled that a prima facie case had been established, the defendants exercised their right to remain silent and did not give evidence in their defence.
Charges before the court
The indictment includes charges relating to:
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Premeditated murder
- Possession, transport and use of Category A and B firearms
- Possession, transport and use of explosive materials
- Arson of a vehicle
- Theft
The charges also include reference to Article 20 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 154, concerning principal offenders.
Security measures in place
Police are expected to maintain a significant presence inside and outside the Limassol court complex during the proceedings because of the seriousness and profile of the case.
The court's verdict is expected later on Friday.
