Paphos, Cyprus. A 19-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were remanded in police custody on Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a series of arson and attempted arson incidents in Paphos.
Court remand and suspected offences
Paphos district court ordered the two suspects held in police custody for eight days.
Police suspect them of multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit a felony, arson and attempted arson, participation in a criminal organisation, and money laundering.
Alleged payment and admission
The 19-year-old is reported to have admitted to being paid €1,000 to set fire to premises and vehicles.
He has not named the person who paid him the money.
Incidents under investigation in Paphos
Cases under investigation include the setting of fire to vehicles on March 25 and April 6, the setting of fire at a cafeteria on Agapinoros Avenue on April 4, and an attempted arson against the same cafeteria on Wednesday.
Police observations and arrests
The arrests followed police spotting a rental car with fake license plates parked outside the cafeteria on Wednesday morning.
Police said those inside the rental car exited carrying a bottle and a bat and headed toward the cafeteria, but fled after noticing police officers.
Chase to Nicosia district and rental car link
Police pursued the car, which ended up in a village in Nicosia district.
The vehicle was found parked outside a residence inhabited by the 41-year-old woman, who admitted to renting the car but denied involvement in the arson incidents.
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