Police have arrested a 44-year-old man in Nicosia, alleged owner of the motorcycle used by the perpetrators of Stavros Demosthenous’ murder during their escape after the burning of a white van.
Arrest and transfer for questioning
The 44-year-old suspect was located and arrested at a residence in Nicosia. He is being transferred to the Limassol Police Directorate for questioning and is expected to be brought before court tomorrow.
Operation under way in Larnaca
According to information from politis.com.cy, a large-scale police operation is currently under way in Larnaca to locate a person potentially connected to the case.
What unfolded on Friday morning in Limassol resembled an action film and resulted in the killing of businessman and former football official Stavros Demosthenous. The plan attributed to the perpetrators and those who ordered it appears meticulously prepared and professionally executed, with the objective of ensuring Demosthenous’ death, ignoring even the supposed “rules” of organised crime. From its first official statement, the Police acknowledged the gravity of the case, with the findings and modus operandi pointing to a criminal organisation that designed and carried out a contract killing with careful attention to detail. All Limassol Police units are assisting the Limassol CID, with additional services outside the Limassol directorate also mobilised.
The ambush
The 49-year-old was killed in a well-set ambush less than 500 metres from his home, in front of his 18-year-old son. Demosthenous was in the front passenger seat of his luxury vehicle, driven by his recently adult son. The murder occurred between 9:00 and 9:30 in the morning as they left their home. A van cut them off and, when the back doors opened, the assailants fired with notable accuracy at the passenger seat. News of the method shook Cyprus and drew international attention. The killing of a figure of Demosthenous’ profile has opened a wider debate about organised crime in Cyprus, especially in Limassol, where serious incidents have multiplied.
Investigative dead ends so far
At present, investigators have not publicly outlined a concrete direction. Police are examining all areas of the victim’s activities and any links to recent serious crimes. While there are similarities with other incidents, elements of the attack suggest a highly professional, tightly organised plan. The assailants appeared to know the victim’s movements and, after the crime, took steps that appear designed to leave no room for reaction or identifying traces.
Three scenes: the timeline
About 500 metres from the victim’s home in the Sfalaggiotissa area, near a cemetery on a main road with heavy morning traffic.
After leaving home, father and son turned right after roughly 250 metres, heading towards the Linopetra roundabout. Around another 200 metres on, a van in front slowed and blocked their way. According to current findings, the van’s rear doors opened and at least ten shots were fired with precision at the front passenger seat. Indications point to a 7.62-calibre firearm, though this remains under investigation. The assailants then fled to an unknown direction. Police are trying to reconstruct the route, examining two scenarios and seeking CCTV.
The son headed for the motorway to reach Limassol General Hospital. Near Tsirio Stadium, their car was involved in a collision and stopped on the hard shoulder. The son sought help from another driver, who transported them to the hospital, where Demosthenous was pronounced dead.
Around the same time, police received a call about a vehicle on fire in the Germasogeia area, near the motorway. A police helicopter happened to be airborne over Limassol on an unrelated matter. Patrols first moved to Germasogeia, then to the immobilised car on the motorway, and soon determined the primary crime scene was in Agios Athanasios.
Getaway on motorcycle, van was stolen
According to the Police, the commercial van used by the perpetrators was stolen and had been reported as such in Nicosia on 4 September. The timing suggests the plan required significant preparation. The van was found ablaze shortly after the murder in Germasogeia. Though not officially confirmed, testimony indicates two assailants left the area on a black motorcycle heading east.
Police response and organised crime concerns
Police spokesperson Kyriaki Lambrianidou acknowledged concern about crimes occurring in the morning and at peak hours, noting that the force monitors many threats and prevents numerous crimes. Asked whether organised crime in Limassol is escalating, she said measures are being taken while stressing that no police force anywhere can eliminate crime entirely. On whether the victim had expressed fears for his life, she declined to comment on such details.