limassol arson — limassol arson — A 49-year-old businessman arrested over the arson of a luxury car showroom in Limassol was released on Tuesday after a court ruled that the evidence did not justify continued detention. Meanwhile, a 28-year-old suspect remains in custody as investigators delve deeper into the case.
- Police stated that all possibilities are being examined as the investigation continues, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of the situation.
During a court session, investigators revealed that their analysis of surveillance footage indicated the potential involvement of another individual. This new development has shifted the focus of the inquiry, prompting further examination of forensic evidence and video data.
Both suspects were brought before the Limassol CID as police sought a four-day remand to continue their investigation. Defence lawyers opposed the request, leading the judge to reserve his decision. Ultimately, the 49-year-old, who works in the car sales industry, was ordered to be released, while the 28-year-old, found in possession of an SUV connected to the incident, had his detention extended.
According to police testimony, CCTV footage from the area shows an SUV approaching the showroom shortly before the fire started and leaving immediately after. The vehicle was tracked towards Ayia Fyla before heading to Nicosia.
At a petrol station, footage revealed a person exiting the SUV, wearing clothing and footwear that did not match those of the 28-year-old suspect. This discrepancy has raised questions about whether he acted alone. Police analysis also suggested that there was likely a second person inside the vehicle during the incident.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that this individual resides in Nicosia, with efforts underway to confirm identities. The SUV itself is linked to a company associated with the 49-year-old businessman. Previously sold to a Nicosia-based company, the vehicle was returned after rental difficulties, and the 28-year-old had been using it for about a month prior to the fire.
The arson incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday at an indoor luxury car dealership, where perpetrators smashed the front window, poured flammable material inside, and set the premises ablaze before fleeing. The attack resulted in the destruction of two luxury cars, with estimated losses of €120,000 and €60,000, along with damage to five additional vehicles and the building itself.
Police have classified the attack as a deliberate act of arson, which was captured on surveillance footage. Following the court order, DNA evidence was collected from the 28-year-old suspect, and items within the SUV were seized for scientific testing. The suspect chose to exercise his right to remain silent during questioning.
Prior searches of various properties yielded mobile phones, radios, and a military cartridge, while a search of the businessman’s residence uncovered cash and replica firearms, all of which have been taken as evidence. Authorities have not yet revealed the motive behind the arson, but they are investigating whether it is part of a broader pattern of attacks in Limassol. Recent months have seen a series of vehicle fires that have raised concerns about organised crime and retaliatory violence in the area.
Police stated that all possibilities are being examined as the investigation continues, highlighting the complexity and seriousness of the situation.
