A 19-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have been remanded in police custody for eight days following their arrest in connection with a series of arson and attempted arson incidents in the Paphos district, a court ruled on Thursday.

The two suspects face a range of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, arson and attempted arson, participation in a criminal organisation, and money laundering.

Suspect Admits to Being Paid to Start Fires

According to police, the 19-year-old admitted to having been paid €1,000 to set fire to properties and vehicles. He has not, however, disclosed the identity of the individual who hired him.

The incidents under investigation span several weeks and include the torching of vehicles on 25 March and 6 April, a fire set at a cafeteria on Agapinoros Avenue on 4 April, and an attempted arson targeting the same cafeteria on Wednesday.

Police Surveillance Leads to Arrests

The breakthrough came on Wednesday morning when officers spotted a rental car with counterfeit licence plates parked near the cafeteria that had previously been targeted. Two individuals stepped out of the vehicle carrying a bottle and a bat and approached the premises, but turned and fled upon noticing the police presence.

Officers pursued the vehicle, which was eventually traced to a village in the Nicosia district. The car was found outside a residence where the 41-year-old woman was living. She acknowledged renting the vehicle but denied any involvement in the arson attacks.

Later the same day, police located and arrested the 19-year-old. During the arrest, the young man resisted and struck an officer in the face.

Investigation Ongoing

Paphos district court's decision to remand both suspects for eight days indicates that the investigation is still active. Key questions remain unanswered, most notably the identity of the person or persons who allegedly commissioned the attacks and the potential motive behind targeting the same cafeteria on multiple occasions.

Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the inquiry continues.