Police launch search in €53,000 swindle

Police are searching for a 31-year-old man after reports that €53,000 has been stolen from various individuals who claim to have been cheated by a person claiming to be a vehicle importer in Paphos.

Paphos police spokesman Michalis Nicolaou said three people, aged 30, 35, and 61, reported that between May and July 14 this year, they separately handed over a total of €53,000 to the 31-year-old permanent resident of Cyprus.

He presented himself as a car seller with the intention of facilitating the import of specific vehicles from abroad.

Upon investigation, it was established that the 31-year-old left Cyprus without responding to any of their attempts to contact him.

An arrest warrant has been issued against him, and he is currently being sought by authorities.