Three arrested in Cyprus over alleged plot to kill two holidaymakers

Paralimni, Cyprus. Three men have been arrested over an alleged plan to murder two foreign nationals expected to arrive in Cyprus for holidays in the coming days, police sources told philenews.

The suspects, an Irish national and two Norwegian nationals, appeared before Famagusta District Court in Paralimni for remand proceedings.

Alleged targets and investigation

The intended targets had planned holidays in the government-controlled area of Famagusta district and were expected to arrive in Cyprus within days, according to police sources.

The three suspects are not believed to have been the masterminds behind the alleged plot. Police sources said they searched online for someone to carry out the killings but contacted an undercover Danish police officer.

International cooperation

Danish police have used undercover officers in operations aimed at preventing killings in Denmark. After the officer identified that the alleged murders were being planned for Cyprus, he informed Danish authorities and Europol, which alerted Cyprus Police.

Danish police officers travelled to Cyprus and worked with Cyprus Police during the investigation.

Police operation

The coordinated investigation and assessment of information and evidence led to court warrants and a police operation in Larnaca and Famagusta districts.

“The operation highlights the importance of speed, operational readiness and international cooperation in tackling new forms of serious and organised crime,” Cyprus Police said.

Police said it continues to strengthen cooperation with Europol and European law enforcement authorities to prevent and tackle organised crime.

The investigation is continuing through a special investigative team from Police Headquarters in cooperation with relevant European authorities.