Three men have been arrested after 14 mobile phones were discovered hidden in a refrigerator at the central prison, police said on Friday.

The phones, found alongside 12 charging cables, were allegedly smuggled in for use by prisoners. The arrested men – aged 63, 51, and 47 – are believed to have played a role in transporting the devices, while authorities are investigating possible inmate involvement.

According to new information presented in court, the discovery was made following a tip-off from a reliable informant who had previously assisted police with successful investigations. The smuggled refrigerator was allegedly intended for a life-sentenced prisoner, whose brother is among those arrested.

A police investigator told the Nicosia district court that authorities had received intelligence regarding an attempt to smuggle prohibited mobile phones and drugs into the central prison. The life-sentenced prisoner, accused of orchestrating the scheme, allegedly planned to bring in 20 hidden mobile phones for resale to other inmates.

The informant claimed that the first suspect was tasked with modifying the refrigerator to conceal the devices undetectably. Furthermore, the prisoner allegedly intended to bribe a prison guard to ensure the fridge was delivered without inspection to a second life-sentenced prisoner, who had formally requested the appliance and was set to receive it.

The refrigerator was due to be delivered on March 5. On March 6, police searched a storage facility at the prison and discovered the hidden phones and charging cables. The appliance had been delivered by the second suspect, who is the brother of the intended recipient, while the third suspect, a home appliance seller, was identified as the person who sold the fridge to the first suspect.

During questioning, the second life-sentenced prisoner denied involvement, claiming he had agreed to request a new fridge at the first prisoner’s request but was unaware of any hidden phones. He stated that he was set for release in 20 days and had no need for the appliance.

The first suspect, a mechanic, exercised his right to remain silent. Police noted that he had previously served a prison sentence for attempting to destroy property with explosives and was released via presidential pardon. A search of his home uncovered empty mobile phone packaging, four mobile phones, and firearms he was not authorised to possess.

The other two suspects provided conflicting statements. The second suspect admitted speaking with his imprisoned brother and receiving the fridge for delivery but implicated the third suspect, saying he did not know his name but later identified him in custody. The third suspect admitted delivering the fridge to the first suspect’s specified address and confirmed he had friendly ties with the first life-sentenced prisoner.

Police requested the suspects’ detention, arguing that crimes were being organised from within the prison. They stated that at least 30 additional witness statements would be taken, including from prisoners and prison staff. CCTV footage, recorded inmate phone calls, and further searches are also part of the ongoing investigation.

The court ordered the suspects to remain in custody for five days while police continue their inquiries. Authorities did not rule out further arrests.

The second life-sentenced prisoner had been investigated a year ago for a drug-related case. At the time, his wife was stopped before visiting him in prison and was found carrying drugs. While she was arrested and remanded, no formal charges have yet been filed against the prisoner, and the case remains open.