Police arrested two suspects in connection with the bombing of a doner kebab (gyros) shop in the Castle area of Limassol – a business linked to well‑known Russian entrepreneur Dmitriy Punin – in an incident described as both dramatic and almost farcical. Punin has been repeatedly targeted by criminal attacks in the past.
The two suspects, aged 19 and 21, appear to have been placed at the crime scene through CCTV footage, both near the blast site and close to their residence. Police requested eight days detention for each suspect; the Court approved six.
Regarding their arrest, both men went together to Limassol police headquarters so that the first suspect could sign in, as he had been released under conditions. There, police handcuffed the 19‑year‑old in connection with the bombing, as a warrant had already been issued for his arrest. The moment the 21‑year‑old realised what was happening, he fled the station. He was located and arrested two hours later.
In Court
According to evidence presented in Court, two individuals approached the scene on foot wearing dark clothing and with their faces covered. They placed the explosive device and fled in a specific direction. The perpetrators then left the area in a distinctive black vehicle with white detailing on the front and side mirrors; the car had no licence plates.
CCTV footage showed that one of the suspects was wearing tracksuit bottoms and a hoodie with specific characteristics, including a yellow logo on the upper part.
The sister’s vehicle
Shortly after the explosion, a vehicle of the same type and with the same identifying features was captured on CCTV parking near the suspects’ homes. Later, two individuals were seen returning to the vehicle and attaching a licence plate to the rear. Footage was also secured showing the same vehicle leaving the suspects’ residence before the explosion.
It was noted in Court that the suspect’s sister owns a car of the same make and features as the one seen in the footage. Police have seized that vehicle for forensic examination, and preliminary findings suggest that a black hoodie with a yellow logo – similar to the one seen in the footage – was found inside.
Police also referenced testimony from an informant claiming that the 19‑year‑old suspect had spoken within his social circle about his involvement in the attack and subsequently hid the clothing at his home.