Two men have been arrested in Thessaloniki in connection with the murder of a 49-year-old Cypriot businessman, police said on Thursday.
The two 28-year-old cousins were detained by Greek police on European arrest warrants issued after the killing of Stavros Demosthenous last Saturday, according to Limassol police.
The suspects, who lived and worked in Cyprus before fleeing after the murder, were under surveillance for two days before their arrest, Greek police sources said.
One suspect allegedly acted as the killer, while the other drove the vehicle used in the murder.
The men will appear before the Thessaloniki Court of Appeals to begin extradition proceedings to Cyprus. Under European legislation, this process must be completed within 90 days of arrest.
The suspects can either consent to immediate extradition or contest it, in which case Greek judicial authorities will decide whether to execute the European warrant. During this review, the evidence held by Cypriot investigators will not be examined.
Greek police conducted searches of the apartment where the suspects were found. Both men reportedly fled to Thessaloniki, where they have family connections.
Cyprus Police thanked their Greek counterparts for their “impeccable cooperation” and the determination shown by authorities in both countries. Investigators believe the arrests may shed light on the motives behind Demosthenous’ murder.
Meanwhile, the Limassol District Court heard new details about how the motorcycle used in the getaway was obtained. A 30-year-old inmate had his detention extended by eight days, with his lawyer raising no objection.
According to the case investigator, the inmate called someone from prison with instructions to contact a third person to locate and transport a motorcycle to a specific province in exchange for money.
In early September, the 30-year-old suspect, described as a friend of the inmate, received a call to find a scooter for resale.
After initial delays due to work commitments, he eventually purchased a motorcycle and delivered it to a location specified by the inmate. This first motorcycle was found by police, causing a dispute between the two men.
When convinced the 30-year-old was telling the truth, the inmate promised to find another motorcycle.
Before purchasing the second motorcycle from a 44-year-old former footballer, in the presence of a 59-year-old suspect, the 30-year-old made a video call to the inmate for approval.
He placed the motorcycle at the same location as the previous one. The following day, he discovered it was missing, assuming it had been collected by the inmate’s associate.
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