Famagusta CID is intensifying its investigation into the shooting of a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot man in Ayia Napa. He is the brother of a 48-year-old man convicted over the quadruple murder committed in June 2016. Police have fully mobilised and are extending their investigation to Central Prisons, on the theory that the attackers may have wanted to send a message to the prisoner by killing his brother.
Police, according to competent sources, are convinced the attackers wanted him dead, pointing to the number of shots fired at the car he was driving. He was not injured. More than 15 cartridge casings were recovered from the scene, and a house in the area was also struck by gunfire, though residents were not endangered.
The attack took place at 5.40am on Friday, as the 33-year-old drove his car in the Kokkines area of Ayia Napa. The attackers had lain in wait for him a few metres from his home and opened fire as he turned right, hitting his car multiple times.
Shortly afterwards, a car was found burning in Avgorou. Famagusta Police spokesman Andreas Constantinou said the vehicle had been linked to the attempted murder. It appeared to be the one used by the attackers, he added. It was a Volvo carrying false registration plates, which was found to have been reported stolen to Larnaca CID in the preceding days.
Beyond the cartridge casings, further evidence has been recovered from both scenes. The Forensic Investigation Service of Police Headquarters will examine the burned car, while investigators are also examining CCTV footage in an effort to trace the attackers’ movements.
The case, as everything indicates, appears to be linked to organised crime, a development that has caused concern in the area.
