Three suspects arrested in Cyprus over international contract killing plot

Cyprus police, in a joint operation with Danish authorities and Europol, arrested three individuals on August 29, 2026, following intelligence regarding a plot to commit contract killings on the island. The suspects, identified as one Irish national and two Norwegians, were apprehended during raids across the Larnaca and Famagusta districts after an investigation revealed they were conspiring to murder two foreign nationals scheduled to visit Cyprus for a holiday.

The operation was triggered when the suspects attempted to hire an assassin online, inadvertently contacting an undercover Danish police officer. The officer alerted Danish authorities and Europol, who subsequently coordinated with the Cyprus police. Danish officers traveled to Cyprus to assist in the joint investigation. Authorities emphasized that the three detainees are not believed to be the masterminds behind the criminal organization.

The suspects appeared before the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni for remand proceedings. A special investigative team at Police Headquarters remains actively engaged in the case, continuing inquiries in collaboration with international partners to uncover further details regarding the criminal network involved.