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

On Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 05:40, a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot man was the target of an attempted murder in the Kokkines area of Ayia Napa. The man, who has no prior criminal record, was driving his vehicle when unknown gunmen lying in wait opened fire. More than 15 shell casings were recovered from the scene, with the victim narrowly escaping injury as his vehicle sustained heavy damage. A stolen Volvo, believed to be the getaway vehicle used by at least two perpetrators, was found burned shortly after in the Avgorou area.

Authorities believe the attack was a targeted message directed at the victim’s 48-year-old brother, who is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the notorious quadruple murder in Ayia Napa in 2016. The investigation is being treated as a high-level organized crime case, with police extending their inquiries into the Central Prisons, where the brother is detained. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage from the area and performing ballistic tests on the shell casings.

As of now, the perpetrators remain at large. Police are conducting forensic examinations on the burned vehicle and the crime scene, and they intend to formally interview the incarcerated brother to determine the motive behind this escalation of violence in the region.