Student murder in Cyprus: 22-year-old Bangladeshi student found nine days after he went missing

A nine-day search for a 22-year-old Bangladeshi student has ended in a homicide investigation in Cyprus, after police say a suspect confessed to his abduction and murder and led investigators to a hidden burial site in the Kofinou area of Larnaca.

The victim, identified as Shahruar Ahmed Emon, had been missing since 12 June after leaving his shared accommodation in Oroklini around 18:30, reportedly heading to Kofinou for his first day of work at a factory. He later sent a location pin to a friend, but his phone went offline shortly afterward.

Police said the case escalated when the victim’s father in Greece received ransom demands, followed by further threatening messages circulating online, which demanded €10,000 initially and later €25,000, warning that the student would “never see his face again” if authorities were contacted.

On Sunday, Larnaca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers arrested a 22-year-old foreign national in connection with the disappearance. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed and directed police to an area near the Kofinou migrant reception centre and a local slaughterhouse, where the victim’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in an advanced state of decomposition. The site has since been cordoned off for forensic examination.

Police investigations indicate that the suspect and victim had met earlier in June after sharing a bus ride, during which an alleged dispute occurred. The suspect later claimed the incident escalated into a plan for robbery and murder. He is said to have lured the victim to Kofinou under the pretext of offering employment, before attacking him near the abattoir area on the night of 11 June.

According to police sources and the suspect’s statement, the victim was stabbed multiple times and later strangled. After the killing, the suspect allegedly buried the body, disposed of the victim’s belongings, and used his mobile phone to send ransom messages to the victim’s family.

Investigators also reported that the suspect indicated where the murder weapon and other personal items were discarded. A SIM card linked to the victim was reportedly found in the suspect’s possession, along with other belongings, including identification documents.

Authorities said the suspect had been due to leave Cyprus under a voluntary repatriation programme days after the incident but did not board his scheduled flight. He was arrested on 20 June following the issuance of a warrant and was remanded in custody for eight days by the Larnaca District Court.

He now faces multiple charges, including premeditated murder, abduction, extortion, and related offences. A second individual initially arrested in connection with the case has been released after police found no evidence linking them to the crime.

The investigation is ongoing as forensic experts continue work at the burial site and surrounding areas.