Cyprus police have made four arrests in connection with the mafia-style execution of businessman Stavros Demosthenous, with DNA evidence from a motorcycle and cap potentially providing a breakthrough in the investigation.
Through methodical actions and analysis of CCTV footage, Limassol CID investigators are working to unravel the case behind the murder. As reported by Phileleftheros last Saturday, another vehicle is involved in the case, appearing at all three crime scenes.
Authorities have arrested four suspects who appear to have roles in the case.
In addition to a 44-year-old former footballer who owned the motorcycle apparently used in the murder, police have also arrested a 59-year-old and a 30-year-old from Nicosia, as well as a 39-year-old Greek national living in Limassol.
The latter is believed to have a pivotal role, as he appears in CCTV footage at all three scenes and in the days before the murder of the 49-year-old businessman.
The three suspects were brought before Limassol Court yesterday morning under draconian security measures, accompanied by heavily armed members of the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit and the Special Operations Team, wearing bulletproof vests.
Despite objections from the lawyers of the 59-year-old and 39-year-old, the Court approved the police request and ordered their detention for eight days.
Double-cab pickup and 39-year-old’s presence at all scenes – The key T-shirt
According to evidence presented to the Court, the 39-year-old was present at all three crime scenes. His vehicle, a double-cab pickup with a distinctive rack and exhaust, was found close to the murder scene at the crucial time.
Immediately after the killing, it was recorded following the van and motorcycle to the arson site and then departing via a different route.
According to the footage, he appears to follow the escape route to where the perpetrators hid the motorcycle and allegedly picked them up there.
Limassol CID investigator, Sub-Inspector Elias Kreouzos, revealed that the suspect was also spotted outside his vehicle, close to the murder scene, wearing black long trousers and a yellow T-shirt, which he said strengthens his involvement in the case.
Additionally, the same vehicle was recorded moving near the victim’s home on previous days, as was the van used in the murder.
He noted that security cameras from the victim’s home would also be examined.
Cover-up instructions and money offer to the 44-year-old
According to the investigator, persons allegedly contacted the 44-year-old former footballer by telephone after the murder, urging him to claim he knew nothing about the case.
He was even offered money and instructed to tell police that the motorcycle had been stolen.
Suspects’ claims and key evidence
Regarding the three suspects, the 59-year-old denies any involvement and has made specific claims which are being investigated. The 30-year-old chose not to answer investigators’ questions, requesting to testify in the presence of his lawyer.
The 39-year-old, though denying involvement in the case, places himself at the crime scenes, making claims about his movements on the day of the murder. His claims are under investigation.
Significant evidence was found at the homes of the three suspects, which investigators expect will shed light on the case.
This evidence will undergo scientific examination, while telecommunications data from all involved parties’ mobile phones will also be analysed.
The Limassol CID investigative team has extensive CCTV footage, and examinations are being conducted to find additional material from areas in Nicosia and Limassol over an extended period.
Two mobile phones were seized from the 59-year-old’s home. Two black motorcycle helmets and a mobile phone were confiscated from the 30-year-old’s home.
A mobile phone, a fluorescent yellow T-shirt identical to the one he allegedly wore on the day of the crime, and the double-cab pickup in question were found at the 39-year-old’s home.
The vehicle has been transferred to Limassol Police Headquarters, where it will be thoroughly examined by the Forensic Services.
The suspects are being investigated for premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, vehicle arson, possession, transport and use of firearms and explosives, and car theft. So far, police have taken 23 statements and conducted 8 searches, with 83 more statements pending.
Simultaneously, CCTV footage is being examined to map the escape route of the vehicles and motorcycle. Additionally, two new searches have been scheduled to locate and collect evidence that, according to authorities, is directly connected to the case.
30-year-old had escaped from detention
The two individuals from Nicosia are known to authorities, unlike the 39-year-old who does not appear to have previous dealings with them.
One of the two Greek Cypriots, the 30-year-old, has previously concerned authorities.
In 2024, he escaped from Lakatamia police detention facilities in a manner that highlighted security gaps.
He had removed a glass block from his detention area using an iron bar he had taken from a toilet in the detention facilities.
