Zambuni murder: arrest of "Chinese" Sokpa in Turkish-occupied Cyprus
Russian Alexei Sokpa, 43, wanted for the murder of Zambuni in January 2024, was arrested in the Turkish-occupied area of Ayios Ambrosios in Kyrenia.
Arrest of "Chinese" in occupied territory for Zambuni murder
Russian Alexei Sokpa, known as "Chinese", was arrested in the Turkish-occupied territories of Cyprus, where he was located by the occupying authorities. Sokpa is wanted by the Greek Police for the murder of Vangelis Zambuni in Neos Kosmos, Athens, on 14 January 2024, according to capital.gr.
Zambuni was hit by 97 bullets from a Kalashnikov in an ambush set up outside a petrol station he owned. An arrest warrant is pending against Sokpa, and the Greek Police made his details and photograph public on 2 August.
Arrest in occupied Ayios Ambrosios
According to ERT correspondent K. Konstantinou, Sokpa was located and arrested in the occupied Ayios Ambrosios area of Kyrenia district. Before a "court" of the pseudo-state, he admitted that he had crossed illegally into the free areas.
The crossing is reported to have taken place via a military zone in the area of occupied Tymvou. The 43-year-old also stated that he returned to the occupied territories from the same point in July 2026. The exact date of his entry into the free areas, the duration of his stay, his movements and the contacts he had remain unknown.
Illegal residence and three-day detention
The occupying "authorities" established that Sokpa's residence permit had expired on 31 July 2025. The 43-year-old was placed in three-day detention and is being investigated for illegal residence, clandestine crossing and breach of a military restricted zone.
Release of information by Greek Police
The Greek Police had released Sokpa's identity details and photograph to the public following an order from the Office of the Attorney to the Athens District Court. The purpose of the release was to execute the arrest warrant and protect public safety.
The details released to the public: surname Shokpa, first name Alexey, born 7 August 1983 in Russia, son of Arkadi and Nadejda. This release was valid until 29 October 2026, according to the prosecutorial order.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)