Bangladeshi student missing in Cyprus amid suspected kidnapping, ransom claims: reports

Investigators examine bus routes, CCTV and phone data as family reports ransom demands and last contact in Kofinou

A 22-year-old Bangladeshi student Shahriar Ahmed Emon has gone missing in Cyprus after what authorities and media reports describe as a possible kidnapping in the Larnaca region.

Emon, who lived in Oroklini, left his shared accommodation on Jun 12 to begin work at a factory in Kofinou, where he was expected to start a new job, CyprusMail said on Thursday.

His family reported that unknown callers demanded money after his disappearance.

CyprusMail reported that he was last seen in Kofinou, and authorities have since checked whether he may have crossed into the island’s north or left the country.

However, no record has been found in the electronic system, and investigators are now examining whether he crossed illegally or remains within the Republic of Cyprus, it added.

Philenews reported that his mobile phone’s last known signal was traced to Kofinou.

Police are reviewing bus routes he may have taken, as he reportedly had no vehicle, and are also searching for CCTV footage from the area, according to Philenews.

On the day of his disappearance, Emon reportedly sent a friend a message sharing a location, followed later by a message to his father asking for help before all communication stopped.

Concern intensified after his father, who lives in Greece, told police he later received calls and messages from unknown individuals demanding a ransom for his son’s release.

Both outlets report that investigators are examining these ransom claims as part of the inquiry.

CyprusMail said checks are ongoing to determine whether Emon crossed the border, while Philenews reported that police have sought assistance from Greek authorities to locate his father and are appealing for public information.

Police in Larnaca have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.