PAPHOS, CYPRUS – A somber mood has descended upon the Paphos region following the grim discovery of a missing woman’s body early Friday morning, just hours after her vehicle was found abandoned near the coast. The 41-year-old Kyriakoula Koutsavaki, last seen at her Timi residence in the early hours, was located by authorities in the vicinity of Timi beach, an area that had been the focal point of an intensive search operation. This distressing development unfolds against the backdrop of a burgeoning controversy surrounding a local private animal shelter, where allegations of mass euthanasia of dogs have sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a formal police investigation.
The Paphos Police launched a comprehensive search for Ms. Koutsavaki after her car was discovered unattended. The operation, which commenced shortly after she was reported missing, involved air, sea, and ground units scouring the coastal areas of Timi, Kouklia, Mandria, and Achelia, ultimately leading to the recovery of her remains near the Paphos airport. A post-mortem examination is slated to ascertain the precise cause of her death, a procedure critical to understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Concurrently, the Paphos Police's dedicated animal abuse unit is delving into a series of disturbing claims concerning a private animal sanctuary. The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by a former shelter volunteer, who has publicly articulated grave concerns regarding the alleged unlawful euthanisation of numerous dogs. These alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between late January and mid-February of 2026, with specific dates including January 27th, February 1st, February 7th, February 10th, and February 16th, the latter marking what is described as the most significant instance of alleged euthanasia. The complainant alleges witnessing an euthanasia on February 1st, and has raised critical questions about the adherence to legal criteria, the involvement of veterinary professionals, and established protocols.
Adding another layer to the island's law enforcement narrative, the Cyprus government has signalled a significant expansion of its "Neighborhood Police Officer" program. This initiative, initially established in 2003, is set to increase its footprint by a substantial 50%, incorporating an additional 17 officers to the existing contingent, thereby bringing the total to 51. The objective behind this strategic enhancement is to bolster police visibility across residential areas, foster stronger community bonds, and proactively contribute to natural crime prevention. This move underscores a commitment to a more community-centric approach to policing.
However, the week has also been punctuated by a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of criminal activity. A 50-year-old man from the village of Emba in Paphos has fallen victim to a sophisticated phone scam, resulting in a substantial financial loss. The victim was approached by an individual impersonating an employee of the financial institution Revolut. The scammer fabricated a scenario involving purported suspicious activity on the victim's account, subsequently soliciting sensitive personal and security information under the guise of safeguarding his funds. Tragically, the man divulged the necessary details, leading to the fraudulent transfer of €6,860 from his account. Authorities are reiterating urgent warnings to the public, imploring individuals to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls and to refrain from disclosing any confidential financial particulars over the telephone.