A 43-year-old man who admitted killing 61-year-old Olga Vasilieva in Limassol has been remanded in custody for another eight days as police continue investigating the murder.
The suspect appeared before the Limassol District Court without a lawyer and did not object to the renewal of his detention. The killing took place on 21 October.
Evidence recovered following suspect’s statements
The investigating officer outlined the progress of the case, telling the court that the suspect had admitted to the killing and indicated where the victim’s body was found. He also led investigators to several locations where evidence was recovered.
Among the items found were Vasilieva’s mobile phone, recovered from the sea off Moni, and her handbag, which was discovered in a recycling bin.
Police also recovered a hammer from the suspect’s home. According to the investigation, this was allegedly the weapon used to kill the 61-year-old.
How the investigation began
The search for Vasilieva began after her lawyer contacted police. Neighbours had informed him that her dog had been barking persistently, although she rarely left the animal alone.
The 61-year-old was subsequently reported missing. Investigators also obtained information about her relationship with the suspect, who was arrested at Larnaca Airport shortly before he was due to fly to Beirut.
During his initial questioning, the 43-year-old claimed that he had met Vasilieva on the evening of 21 October and later taken her back to her vehicle. Police subsequently located the car in a parking area.
He later gave a voluntary statement in which he admitted killing her in his apartment. He said that the following day he transported her body to a field in the Saittas area and dumped it in a sewage pit.
According to his statement, he threw some of the victim’s personal belongings along the road during the journey.
Dispute over money and a necklace
Investigators told the court that the suspect had repeatedly asked Vasilieva for money, claiming he needed to pay compensation of between €60,000 and €70,000 following a road accident in which he had been involved.
The victim’s refusal to give him the money reportedly caused tension in their relationship. Police established that the suspect had indeed been involved in a traffic accident, but no such compensation payment was outstanding.
The court also heard that Vasilieva had returned a necklace given to her by the suspect, saying it was of considerable value. During questioning, he admitted that its certificate of authenticity was forged.
Limassol CID investigations are continuing as police prepare the case file for referral to the Assize Court.
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