A 43-year-old man who has confessed to the murder of 61-year-old Olga Vasilieva allegedly took steps to conceal evidence and leave Cyprus after killing her in Parekklisia, Limassol.
According to the investigation, he allegedly transferred her body to a septic pit in a field in Saittas, apparently attempting to cover his tracks and gain time before fleeing the country.
Investigators believe he may have taken advantage of the victim’s limited social and family presence in Cyprus.
Vasilieva’s disappearance was made public on 28 October. The following day, the suspect reportedly bought tickets to Beirut.
Suspect intercepted at Larnaca Airport
On 30 October, the 43-year-old allegedly attempted to leave Cyprus with four pieces of luggage but was located at Larnaca Airport and stopped by the authorities.
The man, who had been in a relationship with Vasilieva for the previous five months, confessed to the killing on Saturday evening. He also directed investigators to the pit where he had disposed of her body.
Forensic pathologist Nikolas Charalambous said the body was in the early stages of decomposition.
In his statement, the suspect claimed he had struck Vasilieva on the head with a hammer following an argument at his home in Parekklisia.
He allegedly kept the body overnight before transferring it to a field in Saittas the following day. He also told investigators that he had thrown the hammer onto a wooden pergola at his residence.
Financial disputes investigated as possible motive
Financial disagreements are being examined as a possible motive for the killing.
Investigators believe the suspect may have attempted to obtain money from the financially well-off woman, allegedly using a supposed traffic accident as a pretext.
Withdrawals amounting to thousands of euros made in the days before her disappearance are also under investigation.
Friend’s concern helped trigger investigation
A key role in the investigation was played by the victim’s lawyer and close friend, Pambos Ioannou.
On 28 October, he became concerned after neighbours told him that Vasilieva’s dog had been barking persistently while she had not been seen or heard from. He said she would never leave her pet alone.
He went to her home with police officers, where they found the dog suffering from malnutrition.
Authorities subsequently contacted Vasilieva’s son, who lives in Russia. During the conversation, he revealed that his mother had been in a relationship with the 43-year-old and sent investigators a photograph showing the man with her dog.
The photograph was handed over to the authorities and, together with CCTV footage, became an important element in identifying and locating the suspect.
The 43-year-old remains in eight-day police custody.
Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris yesterday congratulated members of the Limassol Police Directorate on their handling of the case.
Also read: Suspect kept Olga’s body at home for a day, case echoes Metaxas murders
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