Man shoots colleague dead in south Cyprus over money dispute

A man was shot dead at a car repair workshop in Ormideia south Cyprus late Tuesday night, in what authorities suspect was a financial dispute turned murder.

The victim was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head at the workshop around 11 pm.

The suspected perpetrator, who is believed to be the owner of the workshop, fled the scene before authorities arrived and remains at large.

Law enforcement sources revealed the two men were former business partners whose relationship soured over an alleged unpaid debt, believed to be no more than €1,500.

Police suspect a heated argument over the debt escalated, culminating in the fatal shooting.

After, the suspect is believed to have tried to move the body, but a bystander heard the gunshots and alerted Sovereign Base Area Police. It is still unclear whether he escaped the area on foot or by car.

Both men are reported to have had prior interactions with Cypriot authorities, though unrelated to organised crime.

SBA Police, who have jurisdiction over the area, discovered the body and initiated a manhunt for the workshop owner. A large area surrounding the crime scene, including the old road towards Xylofagou, remains cordoned off as forensic teams gather evidence.

Specialist search teams, including canine units, are also involved in locating the suspect.

The Republic of Cyprus assists in the investigation, with heightened checks at crossing points and information sharing between the two police forces.

The Sovereign Base Area authorities have not yet formally identified the victim, pending notification of next of kin.

However, investigators are working to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to the shooting, including the exact nature of the financial dispute and any potential witnesses to the incident.

In-Cyprus