A 23-year-old man, wanted for a series of serious criminal offences, has been arrested in Paphos after evading capture for over three months.

The suspect, who had been on the run since January 12, was apprehended today by an off-duty police officer. The officer, from the Paphos crime prevention unit, recognised the wanted man in a public space and carried out the arrest without any official equipment.

The case began when a 41-year-old man reported a theft on January 12. The complainant stated that on January 4, while his car was parked in Paphos around 4pm, a sum of money was stolen from it. He also noticed an unknown man leaving the scene on foot.

A week later, on January 11, the complainant encountered the same man in the same area of Kato Paphos. The suspect allegedly attacked the 41-year-old, hitting him and threatening him with a knife, demanding money. The suspect then forced the victim to accompany him to the complainant’s car before continuing the threats.

The suspect drove the victim to a bank ATM in the Paphos region, attempting to make a withdrawal, but the transaction was unsuccessful. However, the suspect took the victim’s mobile phone and transferred money from it to his own account.

The suspect fled the scene, but the transaction provided crucial evidence that led authorities to identify him. His arrest warrant was issued, and today, around 11am, the Paphos officer made the arrest while off duty.

The investigation into the case is ongoing by the Paphos criminal investigation department.