Critical developments have emerged in the murder investigation of businessman Stavros Dimosthenous, with authorities unravelling the crime step by step and filling in key details that until recently remained unclear.
Maintaining operational silence and avoiding any leaks that could jeopardise investigations, Limassol CID investigators have identified crucial evidence pointing to the perpetrators after two weeks of intensive enquiries.
The case took a new turn following the arrest of two suspects in Thessaloniki, which led to fresh revelations. Authorities traced a 31-year-old man who allegedly played a decisive role in helping one of the two main suspects escape.
During his remand proceedings, the 31-year-old allegedly actively helped the wanted 28-year-old by providing means and cover for his escape.
The court, following investigators’ request and without objection from his lawyer Alexandros Clerides, ordered his detention for eight days. He is being investigated only for the charge of complicity after the commission of a felony.
Hid suspect’s clothing
According to evidence presented, the 31-year-old hid the clothing of the 28-year-old, who is considered one of the perpetrators and the driver of the getaway motorcycle.
After the arrest of the two suspects, Greek authorities found a Mercedes with Cypriot plates belonging to the 31-year-old during searches at one suspect’s home.
Inside were documents relating to movements to and from the occupied areas, both in the name of the 31-year-old and the 28-year-old suspect A.Z.
Escape via Kyrenia, Turkey and Thessaloniki
According to testimony, the vehicle crossed the Ayios Dometios checkpoint in Nicosia the day after the murder, and on 19 October the two men travelled by ship from the occupied port of Kyrenia to Turkey before reaching Thessaloniki by road.
This evidence was strengthened through the Bicommunal Office, which recorded the entry of the two men into the occupied areas with the 31-year-old’s vehicle.
A police informant reported that the 31-year-old helped the 28-year-old travel to Greece via the occupied areas and hid in his home the clothes the latter wore after the murder.
Claimed business trip
After his arrest, the 31-year-old was questioned verbally at Limassol CID offices and claimed he went alone to the occupied areas and travelled by ship to Turkey, without remembering which port he disembarked at.
He maintained he reached Thessaloniki for “business reasons”, where he met one of the 28-year-old suspects with whom he is childhood friends and also saw his cousin there. In his written statement he refused to answer specific questions, saying he would “tell everything in court”.
Limassol CID investigators continue their enquiries, gathering witness testimony and digital evidence that may further tie together the case.
Police sources do not rule out new arrests, with the case developing into a complex puzzle involving people who allegedly had clear roles, hierarchy and coordinated action.
Despite intensive investigations, CID believes it has covered a large part of the puzzle and is close to fully solving the murder.
The two suspects have consented to extradition to Cypriot authorities and remain in custody until handover procedures from Greek to Cypriot authorities are completed.
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