Suspect in Zambounis murder arrested in occupied Cyprus

On August 24, 2026, authorities in the occupied territories of northern Cyprus arrested 43-year-old Russian national Alexey Shokpa in Agios Amvrosios, Kyrenia. Shokpa is the primary suspect in the January 2024 assassination of Vangelis Zambounis, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in the Neos Kosmos district of Athens. Greek police had officially named Shokpa as a suspect and released his information on August 1, 2026.

During his appearance before a local court, it was revealed that Shokpa had been residing illegally in the occupied territories for 389 days. Testimony indicated that he had illegally crossed into the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus via Tymvou and returned to the occupied north in July 2026. The court issued a three-day detention order against him for illegal entry and residency violations.

Authorities are now coordinating to determine his status and examine potential extradition procedures to Greece. The investigation into the 2024 high-profile murder, which police believe was a gang-related execution, remains ongoing as officials seek to clarify the suspect's movements and activities across the divide.