A 56-year-old European national serving a six-year prison sentence in Cyprus was arrested in the early hours of July 26, 2026, on suspicion of breaking into a restaurant in Paphos and stealing approximately 6,000 euros. The suspect, who was on an authorized exit permit to visit his family, is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear before the Paphos District Court today to face a remand request for the investigation.

The individual was serving time for theft by a servant and money laundering. Having already served more than half of his sentence, he had been transferred to the Center for Guidance, Extramural Employment and Rehabilitation of Prisoners, which allowed him to receive the exit permit under existing prison regulations. Following his arrest, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order announced that the prison authorities have initiated procedures to review his participation in the rehabilitation program and his overall status regarding his remaining prison term.