Former police officer identified as key suspect in 800,000-euro murder plot

Authorities in Cyprus are investigating a thwarted 800,000-euro contract killing targeting businessman Giorgos Xiourouppas. Two primary suspects in the case are currently located in Dubai, and recent investigations have identified one of them as a former police officer. This individual allegedly utilized his criminal connections to facilitate the plot.

According to testimonies provided by a 36-year-old former employee of the target, who is a Bulgarian national previously deported from Cyprus in 2014, he was contacted via video call by the two suspects. The former officer, who introduced himself as 'A', instructed the 36-year-old to plant an explosive device on the businessman’s vehicle. In exchange for the murder, the suspect was reportedly offered financial support for his daughter and assistance with securing residence permits in Cyprus.

Security authorities state that the former officer maintains close ties with criminal networks in Dubai that have previously been under investigation by both Greek and Cypriot law enforcement for organized crime. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to address the roles of the suspects abroad.