An email from the personal account of the father of a four-year-old girl who is suspected of abducting her from outside her kindergarten has been sent to her mother telling her he had the girl and he was spending a week with her, it emerged on Friday.
Torkel Grimsrud, 49, is wanted by police for the abduction of his daughter, Marie Eleni outside her kindergarten on Thursday morning.
Late on Thursday, police arrested four men, three Cypriots and a Syrian, in connection with the abduction. They were remanded in custody for three days.
Police said all four were apprehended in the Nicosia district and are aged 33,39, 44 and 47.
A black Range Rover SUV, similar to the one used by the abductors, was found at the home of the Syrian man and was transported to the police HQ where it was undergoing a forensics examination.
The court heard that the abduction had been organised by one of the suspects for a fee, who gave the job to the second suspect. The kidnapping was executed by the other two, police said.
On Thursday, police issued an arrest warrant for the father after the girl was snatched by two men outside a kindergarten in Dasoupolis.
Investigators told the court on Friday that an email had been sent from Torkel Grimsrud’s personal account the previous day to the mother’s, Eleni Ioannou, personal account, informing her that the girl was well and she was with him somewhere in Cyprus. He said he would be spending a week with her before contacting his lawyers to arrange custody.
Police said Grimsrud had travelled to the north on April 18 and has not left.
Authorities were exploring leads, including children’s clothing and shoes, that looked like the ones the girl wore, found some 300 metres from the kindergarten.
All points of entry and exit, as well as the crossing points to the north, have been alerted to be on the lookout.
Following the incident on Thursday, Norwegian daily Aftenposten quoted the father’s lawyer as saying that his client was reunited with his daughter and they were doing well.
Angelides said they were aware of this report, but it was as yet unconfirmed.
The girl was taken outside the school in Dasoupolis at around 8am.
Police said two individuals wearing hoods snatched the girl who had just been dropped off by her mother. She was bundled in a black Range Rover, which sped off.
A sea, air, and land operation was underway to locate the kidnappers, and a crisis centre has been set up and a number of officers who were off were called in to assist with the operation.
The couple were married in 2012 through a civil procedure and the girl was born in Norway in 2013.
The couple never lived together permanently and they had joint custody of the child.
But there was a rift in 2015 when the dad decided to keep the girl in Norway. His requests were rejected by courts in the Scandinavian country because the girl’s permanent home was in Cyprus.
The mother’s lawyer, Larris Vrahimis said the child had always lived in Cyprus after her birth. He told Sigma television that the father was even thinking of transferring his business to Cyprus but that didn’t happen.
Marie Eleni spend time in Norway with him and the father paid frequent visits, he said.
However, in October, 2015, during a brief visit, he announced to the mother that he was keeping the child in Norway and took away her passport.
Ioannou reported the case to police in Cyprus and sought a Cypriot court order for the child’s return. Marie Eleni returned to Cyprus and has been living with her mother since.
The father had initiated several legal proceedings in a bid to win custody but Norwegian courts rejected him, pointing out they had no jurisdiction, Vrahimis said.
“There is no doubt that the position of the Norwegian authorities is that the child lived in Cyprus and Cypriot courts had jurisdiction,” he added. “Every claim made by the father has been proven wrong.”
Vrahimis said following the case in 2015 and the 2016 attempt there was always concern.
“There was always fear that he would repeat it. Eventually he did.”
Vrahimis said they tried but failed to contact the father’s lawyer after he was quoted by Norwegian media as saying the girl was with Grimsrud.
“We have no way of knowing if the news is true,” he said.
The Cypriot foreign ministry said it was in contact with the Norwegian foreign ministry in relation with the abduction.
Quoting a ministry source, the Cyprus News Agency said they had asked for the Norwegians’ assistance in the case but there was nothing to announce so far.
“We acted immediately and we are monitoring the issue,” the source said.
Foiled attempt
In February 2016, police averted what they believed was a concrete plan to kidnap the girl then aged three, after they arrested three men from Norway who were crossing from the north.
The three, aged 29, 40 and 60 were detained while crossing Ayios Dhometios checkpoint in Nicosia from northern Cyprus to the Republic, after police received a tip-of as to their plan.
Enough evidence was found on them to convince the court that there seemed to be a concrete plan in place to kidnap the girl. Nicosia district court remanded them for three days to help police investigations.
But police could not find enough evidence to charge the men who were eventually deported.
Only this week, the issue of actions that needed to be taken to deal with the growing problem of children from mixed marriages being abducted and taken abroad was discussed at the House human rights committee.
In 2016 there were 29 such cases compared with 24 in 2015, with most of the children being taken to Middle Eastern countries via the north.
“Parents from third countries, mainly Arabs, but also from the former Eastern bloc, do not cooperate, as their relevant services do not cooperate,” Disy MP Mariella Aristidou told the House during a session that was attended by some of the Cypriot parents of abducted children.” As a result, the problem is growing, and in almost all cases it is impossible to find a solution,” she added.
Aristidou said ways need to be found to deal with the situation and the House should give the relevant services powers to stop the abductions. Akel MP Skevi Koutra Koukouma said the problem has been under discussion for more than three years and that the foreign ministry, which has been responsible for dealing with the problem of the abductions since 2014 ‘has done nothing’. Some of the children are now in countries where wars are raging, according to Koukouma.
Chrystalla Panayiotou, a mother of two abducted children, said that the government and the relevant authorities are not cooperating with each other, which makes it impossible for parents to get their children back. She asked for the government to finally set up the dedicated committee that was supposed to have been established four years ago.
Panayiotou told the committee she has had no information for the past year about her children who were taken by her Syrian husband when they were 18 months and 4.5 years old. They are now 5 and 9 years old.
“Right now, I do not know where my kids are. I am complaining about the Cypriot government. I am a Cypriot citizen and no one supports me,” she concluded.
Few abducted children are reunited with their Cypriot parents. It is easier to process cases when dealing with countries that have signed The Hague Convention, which includes all EU member states. Countries that are not part of the convention, such as Middle Eastern countries, do not legally have to cooperate and fall under the responsibility of the foreign ministry, which uses diplomatic means to try to resolve the disputes. In practice, this makes it very difficult for the children to be returned.
Anyone with information should contact the police hotline 1460, 112, 22802331, or Nicosia CID.
63 Comments
Gold51
April 28, 2017 at 16:54Sad story and full of trouble.
Its all out if control.
Hope the parents can resolve thier differences for the childs well-being and somehow both parent’s to enjoy the child growing up.
It doesn’t have to be this way if trust can be given a chance..
The child can have the best of both worlds and she will respect both especially later on in life on how the parent’s shared her.
She is a beautiful girl. Both should be very proud of her and do the right thing now!
Victoria Dragomirova
April 28, 2017 at 09:00Whatever the truth is about each side, it is a horrible experience for the little girl 🙁
disqus_ZPlOdQqScB
April 28, 2017 at 08:40So much going on here we know nothing about from both sides-poor child she is a pawn in a dreadful situation.
prof
April 27, 2017 at 19:25a poor child victim of immature and vindictive parents using it to get at each other – she will probably be scarred for life – some people should not have children
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 20:31You know nothing, how can you say this without knowing the full story or knowing the mother? Get your facts right before you start throwing accusations
Mike
April 29, 2017 at 09:57Knickers, I understand your passion and insider knowlege however there are no circumstances in which an innocent child should be subjected to any trauma such as this no matter which parent is in the right. The childs welfare must be paramount and above that of the parents. I’m sure the mother loves the girl dearly and so would the father but they do need to consider what is in the childs best interests and let her be a cherished little girl. Abduction is no way to promote her well being.
Knickers
April 29, 2017 at 10:25You’re right, this is no way how a child should be treated, she will be scarred which is the saddest thing about the whole situation. There is a huge back story to this which nobody on here knows about and believe me he is not fit to be a father let alone have a child live with him. All the family want is her home and safe. What sort of person does that to their child?
Slomi
April 28, 2017 at 09:32I agree with you last sentence.
Silia
April 27, 2017 at 18:53The truth is knickers you are lying!! You must be a family or friend of the mother. The mother is wanted by Norway authorities for kidnapping. She kidnapped the child from Norway. She also stole over 200,000 Euros from the fathers bank account. She has criminal cases in Cyprus court for that also. The mother also has a criminal case for using false documents she got made in Cyprus for the initial kidnapping from Norway. These are facts people NOT what the mother is saying.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 20:27FACTS ARE FACTS her mother is not facing any criminal proceedings. HE stole money, he lied, he took their passports away (is this the actions of an innocent man?) he tried to distroy her mothers life, is this the way a loving parent acts? Tell me in what circumstance it is ok to abduct a 4 year old? DO NOT tell me I am a liar, who are you? People like you make up what you want, yes I am family and I DO know the truth. Get your facts right before you go calling people liars
David Grimmett
April 28, 2017 at 15:11Well said Silia.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 16:34The child is cypriot not norwegan, her mother has pbeen granted custody after the last abduction attempt. He has tried to get custody 3 times and been refused, does that not tell you something? He has done many things to try and get the child to Norway including taking the child and mothers passports whilst they were visiting noway. Is this what anyone would expect from a loving father? Her family are distraught, including me.
Please do not speculate from what the media are telling you, she is 4 and has been abducted by 2 men she doesn’t know, she will be petrified. Her mother has never left her in norway, they have always been together on those visits.
These are the facts, do not question them. Fact
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 17:02The father claims she is Norwegian and the mom took them illegally out of Norway. Anyway, he has the right to be with her just as much as the mother. Its 2 sides of every story.
Cydee
April 27, 2017 at 17:12Except we don’t know the whole story – of the parents relationship, that is.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 18:02She has cypriot passport and ID card, not norwegia therefore her mother did not take her illegally from anywhere. There is more to this story, he is a nasty and scheming
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 19:36She was born in Norway. But has lived most of her life in Cyprus.
Slomi
April 27, 2017 at 19:51Really?then she is a Norwegian.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 20:29Where is her citizenship? Cypriot passport and ID card, no nowegian documents. How is she norwegian? She has NEVER lived in norway
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 20:41If he manage to get her to norway, its no problem to get passport or id for her, since she was born here. And to get custody of her, like she did in Cyprus.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 21:03He tried three times to get custody of his daughter and failed. If someone tried to kidnap a child of yours would you feel the same as her mother? Or would you think that is acceptable and let that person have custody? Delusional people
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 21:38Im not saying he did the right thing, but he just wants to be with his kid. The mother is not a saint in this case either.
Knickers
April 28, 2017 at 10:53You have no idea. Who are you? You seem to know lots but are you family? I am and am able to get facts. Where are your ‘facts’ coming from? Media? Her mother is an amazing parent who would never hurt anyone, but him, he has hurt people and will continue to. The mother was assaulted when they took the child, are you going to question that too? Have you spoken to the family? Have you spoken to the police? He IS wrong, he IS a criminal
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 28, 2017 at 12:43Anyway, she did something wrong when she left Norway with the kid. That is also kidnapping. Say what you want. If you are family, you only see 1 side of the story, and beleave that.
Knickers
April 28, 2017 at 14:00Please answer my
questions. Who are you in relation to those involved? How do you know better than anyone else? Where are you getting your information from?
THe mother has NEVER kidnapped her daughter, she has NEVER lived in Norway and there was an understanding between the parents that she would live in Cyprus. He stole money, property and now their daughter. Why did the norwegian authorities take his passport away? Answer my questions so I can understand who you are
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 28, 2017 at 15:29Im just interested in the case, thats it. Nothing of what u r saying has been in the media.
Knickers
April 29, 2017 at 10:35So, now you, an onlooker, is preaching to me about the truth yet have no evidence of any of your accusations. Why haven’t half these things been in the media? Umm, let me think……… oh yes, thats right, Because they don’t follow the mother or father about 24/7 just hoping they might find a morsel of news. If you think the media tell you the whole story or even tell the whole truth then you are truly delusioned. You need to seriously rethink your views of the media
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 30, 2017 at 01:01If any of the things you are saying is true, why are the media not printing it? Has been interviews with the laywers on both sides. People in Norway are hoping the father comes to norway, so he can be with her, where she is born. Here in norway, the mother is the evil one.
David Grimmett
April 28, 2017 at 15:12Seems to me you give yourself the right name, but you need to keep your knickers on! Hahaha!
Knickers
April 29, 2017 at 10:29not off just in a twist. I’d like to thank you for your support and positivity in a horrendous situation….. I seem to have forgotten that you don’t have the ability to post anything positive ?
David Grimmett
April 29, 2017 at 11:53And you don’t appear to be able to answer several peoples’ postings on here, including mine, without being vindictive, rude, arrogant, and totally insulting to anyone who doesn’t share your views. Remember that there are 2 sides to every story. or perhaps you don’t believe in that, as you are obviously so blinkered.
Knickers
April 29, 2017 at 12:372 sides to every story? So you think it’s acceptable for a aggrieved father to pay someone to kidnap his daughter? Says it all, what sort of person thinks that’s ok? hahahahaha
who’s called me a liar? Who thinks this situation is ok? Who thinks the parents shouldn’t have had a child? Nasy? Vindictive? Rude? Take a look at the other posts and tell me no one else has acted in the same way. She is family (dispite what you think) and will not defend a criminal.
Ask me the questions again and I will answer. Sorry, I wasn’t aware i hadn’t answered anything
Silia
April 27, 2017 at 18:55It’s true Kjetil the mother initially kidnapped the girl from Norway using fake documents. He is a very loving father and has been completely cut off from his daughter by the mother
Silia
April 27, 2017 at 19:00The little girl is a Norwegian citizen. The Norwegian media are printing the real story not what is being said here.
David Grimmett
April 27, 2017 at 17:20Who the hell are you to tell us what we should say? Ruddy ignorance on your part.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 17:59I am telling the facts, I’m not telling you what to say I’m telling you the facts. Don’t ever call me ignorant. I am family. What is it you known that others don’t. Please tell us all. Ignorance on your part.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 21:11You don’t seem to say anything positive in any of your comments in any of the reports. Why is that? Troll comes to mind?
David Grimmett
April 28, 2017 at 15:13I reckon you are the troll. Look at how many vindictive comments you have put against so many who posted on here. Don’t believe for one minute that you are “one of the family”.
Dynosavros
April 27, 2017 at 14:48If i understood well the girl is with her father in Norway?If this is the case then i can not understand why ROC rejecting the 4 freedoms to Turkish citizens. As is proved borders are open to all.
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 15:31No, they are in Cyprus still. Trying to get out i guess.
Mike
April 27, 2017 at 14:05Lets hope international co-operation is put into overdrive. Using a child as a pawn in adults arguments or differences is unforgiveable and heaven forbid if it is an abduction by strangers or traffikers then all efforts should be made to increase surveillance at all points of entry and exit from the Island and possible destinations including all coastal traffic and light aircraft traffic. This is beyond reprehensible.
Slomi
April 27, 2017 at 14:15Yes.
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 16:353 countries are on full alert
Mist
April 27, 2017 at 11:40Yet another reason for traffic cameras.
Spanner Works
April 27, 2017 at 12:16They already have a few, but could do with lots more.
Jack Iacovou
April 27, 2017 at 13:49examine all existing cameras for any black Range Rover SUVs although they probably changed cars at some point.
Agree with spanner that more cameras are needed – they are now quite cheap.
Poor girl. Surely the Norwegian police/border control can assist if the girl has indeed been taken illegally.
Mommy-O
April 27, 2017 at 11:28I am sure it is a custody issue, but the poor little one must have been terrified.
Really?
April 27, 2017 at 12:08Yes, custody or not – it’s no way to treat a little girl.
Jack
April 27, 2017 at 11:13The same case a 2016 the dad from Norway has come back again this time succeeded , surely they will get her back its a small island
Didier Ouzaid
April 27, 2017 at 11:24child custody battle? This has Denzel Washington written all over it
Jack
April 27, 2017 at 11:55i just hope he doesent do something stupid hes determined
Really?
April 27, 2017 at 12:09He seems to be off his rocker, hiring thugs etc. Good thing he doesn’t have custody?
Sistine301
April 27, 2017 at 12:38Or perhaps, like many traffickers, they prefer them pretty, white and blonde.
And the world pontificates about racism.
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 15:28The mother took the kid illegally from Norway to Cyprus. What would you do?
Really?
April 27, 2017 at 15:48No idea, frankly. Move to Cyprus maybe?
Costas Constantinou
April 27, 2017 at 15:52“The couple had married in Norway in 2012 but after they separated, the mother returned to the island with her daughter.
Last year, she had taken the child to Norway to visit her father but
after he kept the child, the mother returned to the island and initiated
proceedings to have the child sent back to her.
Police confirmed that later in the year, the child was legally returned to Cyprus.”
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 17:06Not right. She took his car and drove to Cyprus with the child, without telling him. Thats not leagall,
Ivana Beba
April 27, 2017 at 17:23a bit difficult to drive from Norway to Cyprus isnt it?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i mean you need a plane..come on…father hired criminals to abduct a child..enough for me..thats a crime …he should never get a custody if there is an y justice and any law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kjetil Espetvedt
April 27, 2017 at 17:51She drove, yes. His car was found in Cyprus. Ever heard about boat? In norway its illegall to leave the country with the kid, without the other part to agree. So she also kidnapped her.
Knickers
April 28, 2017 at 13:59His car had been in Cyprus for over 5 years. Do the maths for yourself
Knickers
April 27, 2017 at 18:05What you say is wrong. She is cypriot, nothing illegal has been done on the mothers part
Really?
April 28, 2017 at 10:34Why is there no arrest warrant for the mother then?
Knickers
April 28, 2017 at 13:58If her mother had done something illegal then there would be an arrest warren out for her but theres not because she has done nothing wrong. The child has AlWAYS been a cypriot resident
Really?
April 28, 2017 at 14:11What you say makes sense.