Police thwart professional assassination plot in Limassol
Cypriot police have arrested four suspects following a major operation codenamed "Aigis," initiated by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime to prevent a planned assassination in the Limassol district. The targeted individual is Giorgos Xiourouppas, a former prison inmate who had been convicted of murder. Authorities intervened after receiving intelligence, including a statement from the target himself on November 6, regarding an €800,000 "death contract" allegedly orchestrated from Dubai due to outstanding financial disputes.
The suspects, aged 32, 36, 48, and 70, are accused of conspiracy to commit murder, participation in a criminal organization, money laundering, and illegal possession of explosives. Investigators believe the perpetrators intended to detonate an 820-gram explosive device placed on the victim's vehicle via remote control. The plot reportedly began to unravel as early as September 2026, when the target was first alerted by police and went into hiding.
The four suspects were brought before the Nicosia District Court on November 11 to face an eight-day detention request to facilitate further investigation. Meanwhile, authorities are still searching for two additional suspects who are believed to be abroad, including the alleged mastermind behind the operation.