A 28‑year‑old holder of a Greek passport has been referred directly for trial before the Limassol Assize Court in mid‑May in connection with arson attacks carried out in Limassol in recent months, which appear linked to organised crime and protection rackets. These three cases were not the only incidents, as they were preceded by the arson of vehicles belonging to well‑known Russian businessman Dmitriy Punin.
Although police had officially stated that the cases were not connected, the investigation ultimately revealed clear links between the three incidents.
The first incident occurred on 8 December 2025, when an explosive device was placed at a car wash, causing damage to the premises. The car wash did not belong to Punin himself but to an associate, and the blast caused tens of thousands of euros’ worth of damage to luxury vehicles.
A few days later, on 18 December, a wine shop became the next target. Attackers struck the premises in what police believe is part of a wider series of attacks against businesses. This was the second time a business linked to Punin had been targeted. According to investigative findings, such acts are frequently used as a method of pressure to force the payment of protection money.
The third attack took place on 25 January 2026, targeting a car dealership and further reinforcing suspicions of organised criminal activity. The perpetrator broke the showroom window, entered the premises and, after dousing the area with flammable liquid, set it on fire. Seven luxury vehicles were destroyed, along with artwork kept inside the premises.
This final case proved pivotal, as CCTV footage from the scene led investigators to identify the 28‑year‑old suspect, effectively “unlocking” the investigation.