Investigators from the Police Organised Crime Directorate are once again looking towards Dubai as they examine an organised crime case in Limassol. They are investigating whether the alleged order to kill George Xiourouppas was issued from the United Arab Emirates and assigned to individuals with connections to Cyprus's underworld.
Statements presented before the Nicosia District Court on Wednesday point to an alleged network involving people in Cyprus who were reportedly receiving instructions from abroad and reporting back to contacts overseas.
One or both of the four people arrested could be called as prosecution witnesses. They are the 70-year-old and the 36-year-old, who allegedly helped thwart the plan and provided information underpinning a significant part of the investigation. Both remain suspects in serious offences, including participation in a criminal organisation, and have been remanded in custody for eight days alongside the other two suspects, aged 48 and 32.
Two suspects may become prosecution witnesses
The 70-year-old allegedly disabled the mechanism behind the plan after learning that Xiourouppas was the intended target. The two reportedly had a friendly relationship dating back to their time in the Central Prisons.
According to the Police, the 70-year-old alerted both Xiourouppas and an officer from the Nicosia Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In his written statement, however, he chose not to answer questions about what he had allegedly disclosed verbally.
The 36-year-old, who had worked for both Xiourouppas and the alleged financier, claimed he had received instructions through a video call from Dubai. He said he initially agreed to take part but later changed his mind and warned the complainant.
The 48-year-old is alleged to have coordinated the plan in Cyprus, while the 32-year-old allegedly delivered the explosive material.
Alleged €800,000 contract killing linked to financial disputes
Police estimate the value of the alleged contract killing at €800,000, comprising a €400,000 advance payment and a further €400,000 after the murder was carried out.
The investigation centres on financial disputes between the complainant and a former associate, who is alleged to have financed the plan.
Xiourouppas testified that he had mediated the repayment of a debt amounting to 2,469,500 USDT and subsequently sought the commission he claims had been promised to him.
His statement also referred to an earlier dispute over a €250,000 commission from a property transaction.
Dubai featured in previous organised crime investigation
Dubai had also come under scrutiny last May, when three arrests in Limassol, including that of a police officer, brought an investigation into alleged extortion of businesspeople, arson attacks and shootings into focus.
At the time, Police attributed a leadership role in the organisation to a wanted individual believed to be living in Dubai. Investigators linked the offences under examination to instructions that he allegedly issued to associates in Cyprus.
Investigators seek independent confirmation of statements
In the Xiourouppas case, investigators are seeking independent corroboration of the statements they have received. They are also examining whether two other murder plots may have existed.
The investigation is partly based on the complainant's claim that the 48-year-old referred during a telephone conversation to two other Limassol businesspeople as possible targets.
Two suspects remain wanted abroad
Meanwhile, two individuals are wanted and are believed to be outside Cyprus.
It remains to be seen whether Police will release their details publicly and whether the Greek Cypriot suspect will return to Cyprus voluntarily.
If the search proceeds through Interpol and his presence in the United Arab Emirates is confirmed, the next steps will also depend on how the authorities there respond to a Cypriot request for his arrest or extradition.
