Russian murder suspect in Athens arrested in occupied area
Alexei Sokpa, suspected of the murder of Vangelis Zambunis in 2024, was found in the occupied Saint Ambrose area of Kyrenia after 389 days of illegal residence.
Arrest in occupied area: Russian suspect in Athens nightclub owner murder
The 43-year-old Russian national Alexei Sokpa (Alexey Shokpa), whom Interpol had been seeking as the prime suspect in the murder of Vangelis Zambunis in Athens, was arrested by police in the occupied area of Saint Ambrose, Kyrenia.
According to Politis, citing the website Kipris Postasi, Sokpa was brought before a court in the occupied area, where he was charged with illegal residence and violation of a military prohibited zone.
A member of the police testified that the suspect had resided illegally in the occupied area for 389 days. He also stated that Sokpa had crossed secretly into free areas through the Tympos region, returning to the occupied area in the same manner in July. The court issued a three-day detention order, while the purpose of his presence and possible involvement in other crimes are being investigated.
The 44-year-old Vangelis Zambunis was murdered in January 2024 in the Nea Kosmos area of Athens in a burst of gunfire. Greek Police (ELAS) link the case to a settling of accounts within a criminal tobacco smuggling organisation. Sokpa's details and photograph were released to the public by ELAS on 2 August.
Source: Politis