New documentary series explores the case of Cyprus's first serial killer

The independent documentary series titled "Pleiades" has premiered on the Greek streaming platform ERTFLIX, offering an examination of the criminal case of Nikos Metaxas, known as "Orestis," who is considered Cyprus's first serial killer. Directed by Andreas Seitanis with research by Paris Prokopiou and Michalis Terzis, the project focuses on the human dimension of the tragedy, highlighting the experiences of the seven victims and the institutional failures that allowed the crimes to persist.

The documentary narrative is anchored by the testimony of the individual who first discovered a body in the abandoned Mitsero mine shaft in April 2019. This discovery served as the catalyst for the subsequent police investigation. The series traces the broader events, including the recovery of victims from the Red Lake and Memi Lake, and details how detectives eventually identified Metaxas through his digital footprint and online activity.

Filmmakers stated that the project was designed to avoid a sensationalized focus on the perpetrator, aiming instead for a humane perspective that centers on the victims. The series is currently available to viewers on the ERTFLIX platform as part of an effort to provide a comprehensive look at the largest criminal case in modern Cypriot history.