A 42-year-old man was arrested and remanded in custody in connection with a bomb explosion at a barbershop in Nicosia on Sunday evening. The explosion was caused by an explosive device placed in front of the shop, resulting in extensive damage. Police investigations are ongoing, and incriminating testimony led to the man’s arrest.
Meray Durust, who was arrested in connection with a fake diploma scandal, has started working in a new public sector role despite the ongoing case against her. She was previously arrested and accused of obtaining a false degree from the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, and was sacked from her position as director of the north’s ‘labour ministry’. However, she has now returned to her former position as a civil servant in the Morphou District Governor’s office. This decision has been criticized by Kudret Ozersay, a former negotiator for the Cyprus problem, who believes that individuals under police investigation should be removed from public duty.
MPs in Cyprus have expressed concerns over the country’s compliance with money laundering regulations due to a lack of coordination and communication between the police, the money laundering unit (Mokas), and the customs office. Over €160 million in cash has entered Cyprus in the past four years, raising questions about tax evasion and money laundering investigations. A recent case involved the arrest of a 31-year-old Ukrainian woman facing 60 counts of money laundering, having brought €8 million in cash to the country. There is criticism over a “strange” meeting in 2023 where police allegedly instructed the customs office to route information through them before reaching Mokas, a directive not supported by law. The customs office provides Mokas with a USB detailing declared cash sums every three months, indicating a delay in communication. Concerns were raised about the lack of real-time information sharing, the effectiveness of the legal framework against money laundering, and the existence of a shadow economy. The committee chair criticized the absence of coordination among state services and described the situation as “criminal” due to the inaction of Mokas and the police.
A poll by Phileleftheros, conducted by Pulse Market Research, found that the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General do not satisfy citizens with their work, with only 29% of citizens responding positively about the Attorney General and 24% about the Deputy Attorney General. In contrast, 71% of citizens are satisfied with the work of the Auditor General. The poll also indicated that the negative stance towards the Attorney General is consistent across all party lines, with 51% of DISY voters, 66% of AKEL voters, and 61% of DIKO voters expressing a negative opinion. The President of the Republic has expressed intentions for institutional changes in the Audit Office, which has been met with immediate reaction from Odysseas Michaelides, the Auditor General. Additionally, the European Social Survey conducted by the University of Cyprus showed that the levels of trust in Justice are low, with an average of 4.39 out of 10.
A fire occurred shortly after 5am on Wednesday in two cars parked at a petrol station on Makarios Avenue in Nicosia. The fire was extinguished by the fire service, and police have conducted preliminary investigations. The investigation is ongoing, and the scene is under guard.
A 33-year-old man was arrested in Geroskipou, Cyprus, for illegal stay, working without a permit, and possession of a fake identity card. He was found working without an employment permit at a property, and his residence permit had expired since February. The man attempted to secure work using a fake Greek identity card, which he also used for social security registration, without the employer’s knowledge.
Police are investigating a car fire in Pissouri, Limassol, which completely destroyed the vehicle. The fire occurred at 2.20am on Tuesday. Investigations into the cause of the blaze, whether malicious or due to an electromechanical fault, are ongoing. The vehicle had been parked outside the owner’s residence.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all necessary actions are being taken in response to the scandal involving the Osios Avakoum monastery. He emphasized the separate roles of the Church and the State, indicating that he does not plan to meet with the Archbishop to discuss the situation. The case is under investigation by the appropriate authorities. Additionally, it was revealed that Elam head Christos Christou and former police chief Kypros Michaelides were present at the Tamasos bishopric during the counting of €800,000 from the monastery in Fterikoudi. Michaelides, a member of the church committee, is expected to testify as a witness for Bishop Isaias in the police investigation into the alleged extortion.
Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a car parked in a garage in Ayia Varvara, Paphos, early on Tuesday. The fire was reported at 3:30 am, and the fire service extinguished it. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
The ecclesiastical court will convene within the week to address allegations involving two monks from the Ayios Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes, related to a sex and cash scandal. The court, which will conduct its proceedings behind closed doors, will be led by Kiti Bishop Nektarios. Tamasos Bishop Isaias initiated the investigation but has since recused himself to avoid a conflict of interest, as has Morphou Bishop Neophytos due to his good relations with the accused monks. The court will consist of six Holy Synod members. The monks are accused of possessing €800,000 in cash, owning property in Greece and Limassol, and being caught on CCTV footage engaging in sexual activities with each other. Police, however, have denied involvement in any undercover operation targeting the monks, despite claims of a violent kidnapping by the monks’ lawyers. Police spokesman Christos Andreou stated that two officers were present at the monastery on March 5 for security during evidence collection but were not part of the ecclesiastical investigation. The police are investigating separate allegations of financial crimes and reports of assault, threats of violence, and other offenses related to the monastery. President Nikos Christodoulides has commented on the case, emphasizing that it is subject to an ongoing investigative and judicial process.