A 44-year-old Azerbaijani man holding a British passport faces five charges related to an organised espionage operation after his arrest by authorities in Limassol in June amid military strikes between Israel and Iran.
The defendant, identified as R.S., appeared before Limassol Criminal Court yesterday to answer the charges, which include espionage, publishing news concerning the Republic’s defence, illegal recording of images in prohibited areas, and money laundering from illegal activities.
According to the indictment, the suspect had been in Cyprus since last spring and was found in possession of over €5,000 at the time of his arrest – specifically €4,400 and £805 (€925).
The extended duration of his stay on the island, combined with his apparent financial means, represents new elements emerging from the charges.
Defence lawyer Efstathios Efstathiou raised concerns about insufficient evidence supporting the charges against his client.
Following discussions with state prosecutor Vasilis Bissas, the case has been adjourned until 18 September, when the defence’s intentions are expected to be clarified.
The charges allege the defendant photographed and gathered information about the British Akrotiri base and the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos, transmitting this material to third parties.
His presence in Cyprus is documented between 1 April and 21 June 2025.
Police evidence presented to court for his detention revealed the suspect possessed a Nikon Coolpix P1100 camera capable of 125x optical zoom with high-resolution capabilities.
He was residing in Zakaki, an area neighbouring the RAF British Bases in Limassol.
Cypriot authorities initially received intelligence about suspicious pedestrian activity near the bases, with the individual carrying photographic equipment. The suspect was found with three mobile phones and was observed taking photographs with both the professional camera and mobile devices during physical surveillance.
Police headquarters stated the defendant travelled from Limassol to the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos on 20 June, using two buses before renting a car from Paphos airport. His visit to the base occurred shortly after the reported arrival of American transport aircraft and marines, during a period of aerial and missile strikes between Israel and Iran when Western forces were also mobilised in the region.
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