A 43-year-old Russian national, Alexey Sokpa, was arrested in the occupied areas of Cyprus in connection with the January 2024 murder of Vangelis Zambounis in Athens’ New Kosmos district. According to the Cyprus News Agency, Sokpa appeared before a so-called ‘court’ operating under the illegal regime in the occupied territories, where he faced charges of unlawful residence and unauthorized entry into a ‘military restricted zone’.
Extended Illegal Stay and Covert Crossings
A member of the occupation authorities’ so-called ‘police’ testified that Sokpa had been residing illegally in the occupied areas for 389 days. He reportedly crossed clandestinely into the government-controlled (free) areas via the Tymbou area and returned the same way in July — a route frequently used by individuals attempting to evade official border controls.
Judicial Action and Ongoing Investigation
The occupation ‘court’ issued a three-day detention order for Sokpa. Authorities are now investigating the purpose of his presence in the north and whether he may be linked to additional criminal acts. Greek police had publicly released Sokpa’s personal details and photograph on 1 August 2024, following an order issued by the Athens First Instance Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Identified Suspect and Criminal Profile
The suspect is identified as Alexey Sokpa, born 7 August 1983 in Russia, son of Arkadi and Nadejda. Greek police described him in their official announcement as a member of a criminal organization. The public disclosure of his identity was deemed necessary both to execute an arrest warrant and to support investigations into other similar crimes in which he may be involved.
Background: The Zambounis Murder
Vangelis Zambounis was fatally shot on 14 January 2024 outside a petrol station at the intersection of Frantzi and Iliou streets in New Kosmos — a high-profile contract-style killing that triggered a major cross-border investigation involving Greek and Cypriot law enforcement agencies.