The Europol wanted list has been updated with the inclusion of David Gazzaev, a Russian national wanted in connection with a serious attempted murder case in Cyprus.
According to the Cyprus Police, Gazzaev was already identified and publicly named in September 2025 after being linked to a violent incident at a luxury hotel in Limassol.
Attempted murder case in Limassol
The case dates back to 29 September 2025, when the suspect allegedly shot a 42-year-old Ukrainian man in the abdomen inside the grounds of a luxury hotel in Limassol.
Authorities say the attack was linked to financial disputes and alleged extortion threats. During the same incident, another individual was also reportedly assaulted.
Investigation and criminal allegations
Following investigations, a court arrest warrant was issued for the suspect after evidence and witness testimony were collected.
Cypriot authorities also received intelligence from Russian counterparts suggesting that Gazzaev held a senior position within an organised criminal network involved in theft, robberies, extortion, and other serious crimes. He is also described as a “Thief in Law”, a term associated with high-level organised crime figures from former Soviet states.
How the attack unfolded
Police findings indicate that the suspect met the victim at a hotel café before both moved outside the premises. The situation escalated when a confrontation broke out involving several individuals present at the scene.
The suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the victim at close range before fleeing on foot. He is believed to have been picked up shortly afterwards by an accomplice vehicle, which was later found abandoned in Zygi.
Ongoing international search
Authorities in Cyprus had already issued public alerts and circulated the suspects’ details as part of a wider search operation. Europol’s decision to add Gazzaev to its most wanted list marks an escalation in efforts to locate and arrest him.
Investigators continue to analyse CCTV footage from the hotel and forensic evidence collected at the scene.
Also read: Bomb incident in Monaco: Ukrainian target holds Cypriot citizenship
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