At 9:22 a.m. on 17 October, the killers of Demosthenous succeeded in their mission - ending his life with a plan that initially appeared well organised but is now revealing clear gaps, mistakes and signs of inexperience.
Politis has learned that this was not the first attempt on Demosthenous’s life. Just weeks earlier, an earlier failed assassination plot was set in motion but never made public. Police have so far declined to comment on the earlier attempt, maintaining complete silence around the incident.
Lingering questions
Although Demosthenous became aware of the earlier attempt, it remains unclear whether he took additional security measures afterwards.
Serious questions now surround the police response, as authorities knew of the incident but appear not to have provided adequate protection - nor is it known whether Demosthenous was officially warned.
Doubts also extend to how police failed to realise that Demosthenous was once again under threat, especially after discovering a stolen vehicle containing jerry cans of flammable material just 500 metres from his home - despite already being aware of the earlier attempt.
The previous attempt reportedly occurred recently in a specific area of Limassol, and was thwarted at the last moment. Although no formal complaint was filed, it was well known both to the police and within Demosthenous’s close circle.
Following his killing, the earlier plot was raised again with investigators, who are now examining whether the same masterminds and would-be assassins were involved in both operations.
Close cooperation between Cyprus and Greece
Over the past week, Cypriot and Greek authorities have maintained constant communication, not only concerning the two 28-year-olds arrested in Thessaloniki, but also in relation to other potential linked criminal networks operating across both countries.
Investigators are reportedly exploring whether the Demosthenous killing, the earlier failed attempt, and other unsolved murders - with similar operational methods - could share the same organisers or sponsors.
Suspect list grows
The number of suspects has continued to grow.
So far, six people are in custody in Cyprus, while two more are expected to be extradited from Thessaloniki, bringing the total to eight arrests.
The shooter has yet to be identified, and police believe several others may have played supporting roles - potentially over ten suspects in total.
Court evidence suggests the network involved at least seven vehicles, including:
-
a stolen van,
-
a motorcycle used for the escape (linked to four suspects: aged 45, 30, 58 and a 30-year-old inmate),
-
a moped used for reconnaissance near Demosthenous’s home,
-
and a stolen saloon car later found with jerry cans carrying the DNA of a 51-year-old suspect.
Two BMWs and a Mercedes are also under investigation - the latter found in Thessaloniki, having been driven from Turkey through the north of Cyprus.
From the north to Turkey and on to Thessaloniki
Court proceedings in Limassol this week revealed striking details of the escape route used by the suspects following the murder.
A 31-year-old suspect, arrested last Saturday, allegedly played a key role in helping the 28-year-old motorcycle driver flee to the north via the Agios Dometios checkpoint. From there, they reportedly travelled by boat from Kyrenia to Turkey, then drove to Thessaloniki, where the 28-year-old and his cousin were later arrested on 30 October 2025.
When first detained, the 31-year-old claimed ignorance, insisting he travelled alone and could not recall which Turkish port he used. He described himself as a childhood friend of the 28-year-old and said they met “by coincidence” in Thessaloniki.
However, police testimony - supported by information from the Bicommunal Crime Committee - contradicts his claims. Investigators say he hid the clothes worn by the motorcycle driver on the night of the murder.
The car found in Thessaloniki contained entry permits for the north, helping police reconstruct the escape route.
The 31-year-old is currently under investigation for accessory after the fact, while other suspects face seven charges, including premeditated murder and conspiracy to murder.