A Turkish Cypriot crime baron is being investigated in connection with a fatal police shooting of a 24-year-old Pakistani man in the buffer zone, sources told Philenews.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 6, in Potamia village, has raised questions about criminal activities in the UN-controlled buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied north.
The suspect, who hails from an occupied village near Dali and Potamia, is known to authorities for alleged involvement in smuggling goods and animals, illegal weapons, explosives, and drug trafficking. Sources suggest he may have links to Turkish intelligence services and maintains a network of operatives on both sides of the divide.
Police are investigating whether a black Nissan Navara pickup truck involved in Monday’s incident is connected to the alleged crime baron. The vehicle prompted members of the police anti-poaching unit (MMAD) to engage according to protocol.
The same vehicle type was reportedly involved in a similar incident in August 2024 near Athienou-Potamia-Pyroi area, where the driver allegedly threatened a police officer, prompting a warning shot to be fired.
In the August incident, the black Nissan Navara, which had no registration plates and carried an unknown number of occupants, fled towards the Turkish-controlled areas after the warning shot was fired.
The investigation into Monday’s fatal shooting continues, with authorities examining potential connections between the incidents and organised criminal activities in the buffer zone.
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