Contract soldier pleads not guilty in attempted murder case
A 22-year-old contract soldier charged with the attempted murder of a 47-year-old businessman on July 31, appeared before Larnaca criminal court on Monday, pleading not guilty, police said. The next hearing has been set for March 18 at 9am.
The defendant faces nine charges in total, including conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit felony and theft, and illegal possession of two firearms – Class A and Class B – along with ammunition.
He also faces a second attempted murder charge against the same businessman on a later date.
Police arrested the 22-year-old on November 17 as part of the investigation.
A search of his home uncovered a 9mm pistol, ammunition, two anthropomorphic face masks and four mobile phones, though the firearm was not linked to any crimes.
His arrest stemmed from mid-October information after he confessed the attempted murder to a third party.
Police suspect the soldier tracked the businessman’s location and took leave from work on the day of the attack.
They recovered clothing he dropped while fleeing, with DNA tests confirming the items match the suspect.
Videos on his phone showed him following the target after the attempt. He also recorded the businessman’s locations and made voice notes.
The attack occurred shortly after 11am as the 47-year-old cycled from Dromolaxia industrial zone to Larnaca’s Krasa area.
The 47-year-old was not injured during the attack.