Bangladeshi man in Cyprus accused of murdering student after alleged fake job offer
According to investigators, the suspect and Emon first met on a bus on 7 June, where they exchanged contact information while discussing employment opportunities
A 22-year-old Bangladeshi man in Cyprus has been accused of the premeditated killing of fellow Bangladeshi student Shahruar Ahmed Emon after allegedly luring him with a false job offer, according to police testimony and court proceedings.
Emon, 22, had been reported missing on 12 June after telling his flatmate he had found work at a poultry farm in Kofinou. Investigators later found his body in an isolated area near the Kofinou slaughterhouse after the suspect directed authorities to the site following his arrest, says the Cyprus Mail.
A post-mortem examination found that Emon died from stab wounds and strangulation, authorities said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to investigators, the suspect and Emon first met on a bus on 7 June, where they exchanged contact information while discussing employment opportunities. Police said the suspect later claimed he felt insulted during the conversation and targeted Emon because he believed the student came from a wealthy family.
Investigators said evidence suggested planning before the attack. The suspect allegedly told police he bought a knife two days after meeting Emon.
On 12 June, the suspect contacted Emon and offered him what police described as a fake job paying €50 per day, leading him to travel to Kofinou. Authorities said the suspect then attacked Emon with the knife. After Emon survived the initial assault, the suspect allegedly strangled him with clothing until he died.
Police said the suspect later attempted to conceal the body with straw and disposed of the knife and the victim's personal belongings.
Investigators said the suspect then used Emon's mobile phone to stage a kidnapping and contact the victim's father in Greece. Messages sent from the device included the words: "Please save me, otherwise they will kill me".
Authorities said the suspect initially demanded €35,000 for Emon's release before later reducing the amount to €10,000 and warning against involving police.
The investigation later focused on Kofinou after authorities traced Emon's last mobile phone signal to the area. Police said data analysis subsequently led them to the suspect, who had missed a voluntary repatriation flight scheduled for 16 June.
Upon his arrest on Sunday, 21 June, the suspect allegedly told police: "I killed him. I do not want to say anything".
Authorities said the suspect later directed investigators to the burial site and the murder weapon. On Monday, 22 June, he was remanded in custody for eight days on suspicion of premeditated murder and other related offences.
