A 43-year-old suspect appeared before Limassol District Court on Saturday in connection with the disappearance of 61-year-old Olga Vasilyeva, while authorities are investigating the offence of abduction with intent to commit premeditated murder.
The woman has been missing from her home since 21 October, while her disappearance was reported to police on 28 October.
The suspect was remanded in custody for six days, with investigations continuing. Of particular importance is a forensic examination of the suspect's vehicle by the Cyprus Police Forensic Science Department, as there are indications that it may have been involved in the case.
According to testimony heard in court, the investigating officer said there were strong indications that the 61-year-old woman is no longer alive.
Specifically, he stated that since 21 October she had not communicated with any of her relatives, her mobile phone had been switched off, and her dog was found malnourished at her home, despite information suggesting that she never left the animal alone.
At the same time, her vehicle had remained abandoned since that date, while she also failed to attend an important professional appointment.
The investigator further stated that the 61-year-old had not left the Republic of Cyprus, nor had she travelled to the north of the island.
Regarding the 43-year-old suspect, he was located yesterday at the airport, where he had planned to depart Cyprus on a scheduled flight. Police asked him to accompany them, after which an arrest warrant was issued.
According to the investigator, the suspect purchased his airline tickets at 5 am on 29 October, just hours after media reports on the woman's disappearance were published.
The scream and the vehicle
Testimony was also presented from a resident living near the suspect's home, who said that on one of the previous days, without specifying the exact date, he heard a scream coming from the 43-year-old's residence and saw the suspect's vehicle at the scene.
In addition, closed-circuit television footage allegedly shows the suspect reversing his vehicle to the entrance of the property and placing an unidentified load in the boot.
In a statement to police, the suspect acknowledged his presence at the residence but provided no further explanation.
Investigations into bank accounts
In addition to the various investigations already under way, police are taking steps to obtain details of the missing woman's bank accounts in order to determine whether any withdrawals were made.
Authorities are also expected to seek access to further banking records as part of the ongoing investigation.
