A deliberate fire in a wealthy area of Limassol has completely destroyed four luxury cars worth more than €1.5 million. This incident has increased worries about a growing conflict between criminal gangs, which may be connected to the recent murder of a local businessman. The late-night attack in the Mouttagiaka district, which destroyed cars including a Lamborghini, happened while police are already investigating a high-profile killing. That murder case has already led to six arrests.
The event took place just before midnight on Wednesday. Security cameras recorded a person with their face hidden by a hood entering a fenced parking area. The individual, who was dressed in black, used a flammable liquid like petrol to set the cars on fire. A private security guard saw what was happening and tried to chase the person, but the suspect escaped before the fire grew out of control. The fire service was called at 11:46 p.m. Later, at 3:25 a.m., a different car fire damaged a vehicle owned by a 20-year-old in another part of the city. However, the police have not confirmed if this second fire is connected to the first.
Authorities are now investigating possible links to the murder of 49-year-old businessman Stavros Demosthenous on October 17th. One of the owners of the burned cars is a foreign businessman who was a close friend of the murdered man. This connection has led to speculation that the arson was a planned warning, a violent message in an ongoing dispute.
Even with this strong theory, police officials are being careful not to jump to conclusions. Assistant Chief and head of Limassol CID, Lefteris Kyriacou, said that while "all possibilities are being looked at," there is currently "no testimony linking the two cases." He added that the business relationships of those involved are part of the investigation, confirming that evidence had been collected and insurance details would be checked.
The context of the Demosthenous murder is significant to this new case. With six suspects already in custody, the murder investigation has revealed a well-organized criminal operation. The killers carried out the murder from a van and used a burned car and a motorcycle to escape. Four suspects have been formally charged and will go on trial on January 29.
As the police investigation continues, this very expensive fire has created a dark mood in the city, suggesting that the effects of the recent violence are not yet over. Finding the hooded arsonist is now a critical step for the police to prevent the situation from becoming even more lawless.