Five more detained in Cyprus over alleged murder-for-hire plot
Cyprus police have detained five more people in a case involving an alleged conspiracy to carry out murders for payment. Following an operation in the Paphos district, the total number of detainees in the proceedings has risen to eight, Cyprus Mail reports.
Operation in the Paphos district
The five suspects, aged 21, 25, 28 and two aged 22, were detained on Friday during a coordinated police operation. According to law enforcement, arrest warrants were issued after an assessment of information and other materials gathered during the investigation.
Police stopped a vehicle carrying the five suspects. During a search of the car, they seized a pistol, two knives, gloves, masks and three mobile phones.
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Searches and investigation
Law enforcement officers also searched the suspects' homes in Paphos. They seized another eight mobile phones, $1,400 in cash, documents, notes and other evidence.
The detainees were expected to appear before a court on Saturday for consideration of their detention. Earlier, three people aged 33, 34 and 35 were detained in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts in connection with this case. They were remanded in custody for eight days.
The investigation was launched after Cyprus police received information from Danish authorities through Europol about alleged plans to carry out murders for payment in Cyprus. The case is being investigated on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and participation in a criminal organisation. A special investigative team at police headquarters is cooperating with Europol and law enforcement agencies from other countries.
