Two individuals referred to assize court in murder-for-hire plot

Two individuals, aged 33 and 35, have been referred to the Permanent Assize Court in Famagusta following their arrest on August 29, 2026, in connection with a conspiracy to commit murder. The case, involving an alleged contract killing plot, saw the suspects appearing before the District Court today, with the first trial session scheduled for November 18. The court has reserved its decision regarding their continued detention until next Thursday, and the suspects remain in custody in the interim. Meanwhile, the remaining six individuals arrested during the same police operation in Larnaca and Ayia Napa are set to be deported from Cyprus within the coming days under issued detention and deportation orders.

The investigation, which involved collaboration between the Cyprus Police, Danish authorities, and Europol, was triggered by intelligence regarding planned contract killings on the island. Authorities identified the intended targets as twin brothers Jamie and Aaron Small, who both have prior criminal convictions in England. A special investigation team from the Police Headquarters continues to analyze evidence and collaborate with European authorities to finalize the case.