The attempted murder at a luxury Limassol hotel on Monday night is developing into an “extremely serious” case, the court was told during Thursday’s remand hearing for a 39-year-old suspect arrested on Wednesday. Evidence presented in court suggested the shooting was linked to threats over large sums of money allegedly demanded from the 42-year-old victim. The victim, who was shot in the abdomen, had reportedly received threats from a wanted man he identified as a senior member of a criminal organisation, who warned he would kill the victim’s family if money was not paid.
The 39-year-old faces six counts: conspiracy to commit a felony; attempted murder; illegal possession, transport and use of a firearm; illegal possession, transport and use of explosives; demanding money with menaces with intent to steal; and making threats. He was remanded in custody for eight days without objection from his lawyer. Police said he has so far declined to give a statement, requesting to do so only in the presence of counsel. Investigators expect to take his deposition today.
€500,000 demand and the “Vory” claim
According to testimony from the victim’s business partner, the pair co-own two companies. About six months ago he received a call from an unknown Russian-speaking man with a Georgian accent demanding €500,000 as “protection” for the company. That caller is believed to be a second suspect now wanted by police.
On September 29, the day of the shooting, the witness said he was called by the 39-year-old, whom he knows, requesting a meeting with a second man who claimed to be a member of the “Vory” (a term associated with organised crime). When the witness refused, the second man allegedly phoned and threatened to kill his family if he did not attend. A meeting was then arranged at the hotel; the witness arrived with friends and the eventual victim “for safety”.
Altercation and shooting outside the hotel
In the hotel meeting, a heated argument broke out. The wanted man allegedly said: “I am Vory; how can you ignore me and refuse to pay? I will kill your family.” The group then moved outside, where the threats continued. As one of the victim’s friends asked the suspect to stop, the wanted man allegedly struck that friend on the head. When the friend moved towards the 42-year-old victim, the wanted man reportedly took a pistol from a small bag and shot the 42-year-old in the stomach at very close range, before leaving on foot with the 39-year-old suspect.
Roughly 20 minutes later, the two suspects reportedly stopped at a café in Zygi and asked staff to call a taxi to Nicosia. Later that night, shortly after midnight, police found the suspects’ vehicle locked in Zygi; it was sealed and transported to Police Headquarters.
Police said they located a Germasogeia apartment rented and used by the wanted man. A search allegedly uncovered two pistol magazines (one loaded), five mobile phones, various documents including a Greek ID card bearing the wanted man’s photo but another person’s details, a Russian passport, Russian driving licence and a residence permit card, all sent for authenticity checks. Officers also seized two watches, modern burglary tools, a drone and binoculars.
Victim’s statement from the hospital
Guarded at Limassol General Hospital, the victim gave a statement on October 1, saying he had received phone threats from the suspect demanding €300,000 as protection for their company. He confirmed how the hotel meeting was arranged with the 39-year-old and the wanted man, who introduced himself as a “vor”, described as a high-ranking figure in a criminal hierarchy. His account, police said, aligns with his partner’s testimony and CCTV footage.
The investigation continues as police seek the wanted second suspect. The 39-year-old’s formal interview is expected once his lawyer is present.