Attempted murder of 33-year-old man in Ayia Napa

On August 21, 2026, around 05:40, a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot was targeted in an attempted murder while driving in the Kokkines area of Ayia Napa. Unknown assailants ambushed the victim just meters from his home, firing more than 15 shots at his vehicle. Although the car and a nearby residence were struck, the man remained uninjured. Shortly after the incident, a burning vehicle was discovered in the nearby Avgorou area, which police believe was used by the perpetrators and then set on fire to destroy evidence.

Authorities, led by the Famagusta Criminal Investigation Department (CID), are treating the attack as a professional, well-planned ambush. The investigation has expanded to include a possible link to the victim's brother, a 48-year-old inmate serving four life sentences for his role in the 2016 quadruple murder in Ayia Napa, with investigators speculating the shooting was intended as a message to the convict. While the victim has stated he has no known enemies or past criminal record, police are currently gathering evidence, analyzing forensic data from both scenes, and conducting interviews to identify the gunmen and their exact motive. Further inquiries are expected to involve the Central Prisons.