Four suspects arrested in plot to assassinate businessman in Limassol

Cypriot authorities have arrested four individuals, aged 32, 36, 48, and 70, in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate 55-year-old former convict Giorgos Xiourouppas in Limassol. The Nicosia District Court has remanded the suspects for eight days to facilitate the investigation into charges including conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of explosives, and money laundering. According to police, a hit contract worth €800,000 was allegedly funded by a financier based in Dubai following a financial dispute involving €2.5 million in bitcoin. The plan reportedly involved installing a remote-controlled explosive device containing 820 grams of Semtex in the victim's car.

The investigation was launched after authorities received information about the plot in mid-September. The 36-year-old suspect, who was allegedly recruited to carry out the attack, claimed he was promised financial compensation and legal residency for his family. While two key suspects remain at large in Dubai, international arrest warrants are being processed. Police are also investigating claims that other business figures may have been targeted in similar schemes and are continuing to analyze the suspects' financial transactions. The 70-year-old suspect, who initially alerted authorities to the plot, reportedly disabled the detonator after receiving the explosives.