Double contract killing prevented in Cyprus; Irishman and two Norwegians arrested

Cyprus police arrested three foreign nationals — an Irish citizen and two Norwegian citizens — and apparently thwarted preparations for a double contract killing in the government-controlled area of the Famagusta district at the last moment.

Information about planned contract killings in Cyprus was received through Europol. The scheme was uncovered in Denmark: an undercover Danish police officer posed as a hitman, and when it became clear that the murders were being planned on Cypriot territory, Europol and the Cypriot authorities were immediately informed.

A team of Danish police officers arrived on the island. Together with the Cyprus Police, they carried out an operation in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts: a court issued warrants and three suspects were arrested. They are accused of conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal organisation.

According to investigators, the detainees acted as intermediaries rather than the masterminds: they were looking for a hitman online. The intended targets, according to available information, were two foreign nationals who were due to fly to Cyprus for a holiday in the coming days.

On Saturday morning, the three were brought before the Famagusta District Court for remand orders to be issued. The investigation is being continued by a special investigative team of police headquarters in cooperation with European law-enforcement agencies.

Police emphasise that the operation demonstrated the importance of rapid response and international cooperation in combating new forms of organised crime.