“Authorities” in the occupied north arrested a suspect in connection with last weekend’s fatal shooting incident in Potamia, as new details emerge about the killing of a 24-year-old Pakistani national by Cyprus Police fire.
The man was arrested at Kyrenia port whilst attempting to leave with his pickup truck, which reportedly showed bullet damage.
A 39-year-old suspect arrested by Cyprus Police has admitted to driving the rental car involved in the incident, telling investigators he was paid €500 to transport the victim from the occupied north to the government-controlled areas. The suspect was found hiding in an apartment building’s basement with his daughter, covering her mouth to prevent detection.
According to court evidence, the Cameroonian suspect first rented the vehicle on 23 October 2024 and has kept possession of it through monthly rental renewals. He last renewed the rental on 8 January 2025, two days after the incident.
The incident occurred near the buffer zone near Potamia. Initial police reports indicated the shooting occurred while officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in a smuggling operation. However, forensic findings suggesting the man was shot in the back have raised questions and contradicted the initial police account.
According to the investigator, Inspector Yiannos Yiannakou, the bullet pierced the victim’s liver and heart before lodging in his neck. The 39-year-old driver claims he later transported the injured man to the Akropolis area, where the victim was found dead at 21:15.
Police seized €2,380 in cash during a search of the 39-year-old suspect’s residence. He faces charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a felony, and facilitating illegal entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
The Nicosia District Court approved an eight-day detention order.
The investigation continues as authorities seek three other Turkish Cypriots, a father and his two sons, believed to be involved in regular migrant trafficking operations through the Potamia area.
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