Larnaca, Cyprus. A 22-year-old Bangladeshi man was remanded in custody for eight days on Monday after police said he confessed to the murder of fellow Bangladeshi student Shahruar Ahmed Emon and staged his kidnapping to demand money from the victim’s family. The victim, also 22, had been reported missing on June 12.
Investigation and arrest
Investigators later discovered the victim’s body in Kofinou following information provided by the suspect, who was arrested on Sunday. He is being investigated on suspicion of premeditated murder and other offences.
Evidence before court
According to evidence presented before Larnaca district court, the victim’s flatmate told police that Emon had left on June 12 after saying he had found work at a poultry farm in Kofinou.
Messages to the family
Later that day, the victim’s father, who lives in Greece, received a message that read, “Please save me, otherwise they will kill me.” Further messages followed demanding money in exchange for the student’s release.
One message allegedly warned that if €35,000 was not paid, the victim would never be seen again. A later message reduced the demand to €10,000 and threatened harm if the matter was reported to authorities.
Telecommunications data
Investigators were able to trace the victim’s final mobile phone signal to Kofinou. Analysis of telecommunications data subsequently led police to the suspect, who had been scheduled to leave Cyprus under a voluntary repatriation programme on June 16 but failed to board his flight.