Fifth suspect arrested in alleged Hamas plot targeting Israeli interests in Cyprus

Larnaca, Cyprus. A fifth suspect has been arrested in an investigation into an alleged Hamas network accused of planning attacks against Israeli interests in Cyprus. All five defendants are due to appear before Larnaca criminal court tomorrow.

Latest arrest

According to Phileleftheros, the latest suspect is a 32-year-old Palestinian and Limassol resident who was arrested last month, although his detention had not previously been made public.

Investigators believe he helped arrange the travel of one of the main suspects to Turkey, where police allege instructions concerning the planned attacks were provided.

Court proceedings

The five defendants are expected to attend a procedural hearing to merge three separate criminal cases into a single indictment.

Investigation

The investigation became public in May, when police arrested two Palestinian men, aged 32 and 38, during raids near Pentakomo.

Authorities alleged that the younger suspect photographed potential targets in Cyprus and purchased chemicals and equipment used to manufacture explosives after being recruited by a Hamas member.

Phileleftheros reported that the 32-year-old told investigators he had received instructions to obtain materials before the arrival of the second suspect, a 38-year-old physics professor who allegedly entered Cyprus illegally to assemble explosive devices.

Other suspects

Police later arrested a 54-year-old Palestinian with Cypriot citizenship, whom prosecutors allege received parcels containing chemical substances.

He denies involvement in the case. Although he was initially released on bail, the appeals court later overturned the decision and he was returned to custody.

A fourth suspect, aged 41, was arrested in Indonesia and extradited to Cyprus last month.