Ballistic tests carried out on a haul of weapons discovered in a house in Larnaca two days ago could shed fresh light on a series of unsolved cases, investigators have said.
Detectives are understood to have reopened at least four cold cases across two provinces, examining whether there are similarities or links between those investigations and the arsenal uncovered in the raid.
The weapons were found during simultaneous police operations at the home of a 38-year-old man and at his grandmother’s house in Oroklini. Officers recovered a G3 military-issue rifle, a Czech-manufactured weapon closely resembling a Kalashnikov, a German-made pistol, and a quantity of ammunition of various calibres.
According to a source close to the investigation, law enforcement had been in possession of specific intelligence for several days, which was deemed highly serious. As a result, the properties in question were placed under covert surveillance before officers were given the go-ahead to move in last Wednesday.
Forensic teams are now examining the weapons for traces of genetic material, while CCTV footage from the vicinity of the property is being scrutinised in an effort to establish whether other individuals visited the house who may have some connection to the items seized.
The man being sought in connection with the find, named as Charalambos Antoniou, 38, from Oroklini, remains at large. Police have not ruled out the possibility that he has fled to the Turkish-occupied north of the island.
