Russian citizen suspected of murder detained in Northern Cyprus

43-year-old Russian citizen A.S., who was wanted in connection with the murder of Vangelis Zambounis, was detained in the Esentepe area. Vangelis Zambounis was killed in an armed attack in Athens on 14 January 2024.

According to available information, A.S. had been staying in the south of the island for about a year before illegally crossing the border and arriving in Northern Cyprus. After receiving information about his whereabouts, the police began surveillance. Officers monitored his movements for about a week, after which they established that he was in the Esentepe area and detained him on 24 August.

A.S. appeared before the court on charges of first-degree military zone trespassing, illegal entry, illegally leaving Northern Cyprus without the permission of the relevant authorities and residing without authorisation. An investigation found that A.S. had been in Northern Cyprus without a residence permit since 31 July 2025.

According to police officer Berkay Sürmelioglu, during questioning A.S. said that he had previously illegally crossed the first-degree military zone near Ercan Airport and entered the south of the island through that area. In July 2026, he said, he returned to Northern Cyprus through the same area.

The police are investigating why A.S. was in Northern Cyprus and whether he could be involved in other crimes. Judge Zehra Bilgeç ordered that the suspect be held in custody for three days to allow the investigation to continue.

According to a journalistic investigation, A.S. is one of the main suspects in the murder of Vangelis Zambounis. He is reportedly wanted internationally.

A possible connection between A.S. and organised crime groups is also being investigated.