Former Xiourouppe employee at centre of €800,000 contract killing in Limassol
A 36-year-old Bulgarian, former employee of the alleged target, is reported to have been recruited for murder for €800,000. Orders were given via video call from Dubai.
Former employee knew victim's movements and is reported to have been involved in murder plot
A 36-year-old Bulgarian, former employee of Giorgos Xiourouppe, is at the centre of an alleged contract killing case worth €800,000, according to information presented before the Larnaca District Court. Dialogos reveals details about how the alleged murder plot in Limassol was organised.
The 36-year-old worked in a night-time establishment maintained by Xiourouppe. When the premises closed for the summer period, Xiourouppe referred him for work to a person with whom he maintained friendly relations at the time. This professional transfer is reported to have been the starting point of his involvement in the case.
Following a rift in the relationship between the two men, the 36-year-old's new employer is reported to have approached him asking for his assistance in a murder plot. The choice of him is not considered coincidental: he knew Xiourouppe's daily movements, the vehicles he used and his habits.
Orders from Dubai and explosive device
According to investigators' account, a significant part of the organisation was carried out through communications with persons located in Dubai. In a video call in which two wanted individuals are reported to have participated, the 36-year-old was informed of the role he would assume.
The plan envisaged the placement of an explosive device in Xiourouppe's car and its remote detonation at the moment when he himself would be inside the vehicle. According to testimony presented in court, the instructions concerned specific actions and the participation of different persons in the preparation of the attack.
The 70-year-old suspected of thwarting the attack
Of particular interest is the role of a 70-year-old suspect. According to the information under investigation, he knew Xiourouppe from the past and, when he realised who the target was, is reported to have destroyed the detonator, rendering the explosive device non-functional. This action is reported to have prevented the implementation of the original plan.
Despite this development, the information being examined by investigators indicates that the threat had not ceased, as the alleged contract killing remained in force.
Investigation ongoing
Police are investigating the degree of participation of each suspect, the communications that preceded it and the financial promises that are reported to have been made. At the same time, the connection between persons located in Cyprus and wanted persons abroad is being examined.
The case remains under investigation. The allegations contained in the testimony do not constitute judicially established guilt of those involved.
Source: Dialogos