Hitmen Sent to Prison

The suspects were apprehended during a traffic stop in Kyrenia, where firearms and ammunition were found in their vehicle. They appeared in court again yesterday and were ordered to be remanded in custody pending trial.

Police officer Cemal Şanlıer testified in court, providing details of the investigation. He explained that on August 14, 2024, at around 8:30 PM, officers from the Kyrenia Traffic Patrol Division stopped the ZUH 478-plated vehicle driven by Mustafa Özmen for a routine check. Özmen was brought in for driving under the influence. Upon further suspicion, a search of the vehicle revealed a Glock 9mm handgun and 12 rounds of live ammunition hidden in the glove compartment. Both Özmen and his passenger, Vural Allahverdi, were arrested on the spot.

The investigation revealed that Allahverdi had entered the country on August 8, while Özmen arrived on August 14. Officer Şanlıer also stated that during the investigation, messages on Allahverdi's phone mentioned receiving 20,000 TL for supplies, including masks to avoid recognition, along with photos of the businessman’s car. Messages related to the planned shooting included, "we'll only shoot him in the leg."

On Özmen’s phone, police found another incriminating message that read, "we're watching, don’t worry, we'll hit him when we see him." During the investigation, two scarves used for concealing faces were discovered in a second search of the rental car. Additionally, the police identified another individual who had supplied the gun and orchestrated the plot.

The court, led by Senior Judge Hazal Hacımulla, ordered that the suspects be remanded in prison for up to 75 days pending further investigation.