Police hold suspected spy

By Charlie Charalambous

POLICE yesterday arrested a 43-year-old Maronite man on suspicion of spying against the Republic and endangering its security.

Police said they arrested George Josephides from Ayia Marina Skyllouras in the occupied areas after he was found in possession of official documents relating to National Guard weapons systems.

The suspect was taken to a Nicosia district court later yesterday afternoon, where he was remanded in custody for eight days.

Josephides is employed in the free areas by the Electricity Authority and was recently staying at a Nicosia hotel, police said.

Following a tip-off, police searched Josephides at the Ledra Palace checkpoint at 9.15 yesterday morning as he was about to cross over to the occupied areas.

Police said the classified military documents found in his possession posed a security threat to the Republic, as they believe he intended to pass them on to the Turks.

The Nicosia court was told by police that the suspect had confessed the documents were destined for the Turkish secret services in the occupation areas.

A search of the suspect’s home in the free areas also uncovered other material, including a catalogue listing names and addresses of National Guard top brass, the court heard.

Josephides had been under surveillance since June following information received by police intelligence.

Nicosia CID are continuing their investigations.

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