Case of Ayçi Alav’s Murder Referred to Nicosia High Criminal Court

The case concerning one of last year’s most shocking crimes—the murder of Ayçi Alav, the director of a currency exchange office—has been referred to the Nicosia High Criminal Court in the TRNC.

An initial hearing was held at the Nicosia District Court for suspects Vinel Cedric Mbuhom Chomte and Brian Gibipa Kwalara, who were arrested on charges of murdering Ayçi Alav and engaging in smuggling-related activities.

After reviewing testimony from investigators and witnesses, the prosecutor and judge determined that the trial would proceed at the Nicosia High Criminal Court.

The tragic incident occurred on December 22, 2023, at approximately 2:47 PM. According to reports, the two suspects forced their way into the currency exchange office, tied up its 45-year-old owner, Ayçi Alav, and sealed her mouth with tape, which ultimately caused her to suffocate.

Security camera footage from the scene confirmed that no one other than the suspects entered the premises at the time of the crime.

Following the incident, the two suspects fled illegally into the Republic of Cyprus, where they were apprehended 17 days later on January 8, 2024. Both were identified as university students and reportedly provided voluntary confessions.

The first hearing at the Nicosia High Criminal Court is scheduled for December 13, 2024.