All four defendants in the Thanasis Kalogeropoulos murder trial have been found guilty by the Permanent Criminal Court of Limassol, following a lengthy trial that examined the killing of the 55-year-old businessman in October 2023.
The three-judge court unanimously convicted all four men on all charges, including premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder, offences that carry a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment under Cypriot law.
Unanimous guilty verdict
The court's decision follows proceedings that lasted almost three years, during which the four accused remained in custody as remand prisoners.
According to the report, the judgment exceeds 600 pages, with the court hearing evidence from 75 witnesses and considering 550 exhibits.
The ruling was delivered in summary form, focusing on the court's principal findings.
Life sentences expected
The four convicted men were found guilty of all charges against them, including premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
As life imprisonment is the prescribed sentence for premeditated murder, no separate mitigation procedure is expected to take place. Sentencing could be imposed as early as Friday.
Additional penalties are also expected in relation to the remaining offences on the indictment.
Murder carried out in October 2023
Kalogeropoulos was shot dead on the morning of 30 October 2023 in the car park of a seafront restaurant in Agios Tychonas, Limassol.
According to the prosecution case, two assailants opened fire before fleeing in a vehicle that was later discovered burned. The weapons allegedly used in the killing were found inside the vehicle.
Defendants denied charges
The four defendants, aged 43, 46, 24 and 23, had denied all allegations throughout the proceedings.
During the trial, they exercised their right to remain silent after the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.
The charges included:
- Premeditated murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Firearms offences
- Explosives-related offences
- Arson
- Other related criminal charges
Heavy security at court
The proceedings were conducted under heightened security measures, with a significant police presence inside and outside the Limassol District Court.
Members of the victim's family and friends attended the hearing, with the courtroom reported to be full during the delivery of the verdict.
