THE 49-year-old former community leader of Klonari village was remanded in custody for six days yesterday by the Limassol district court after allegedly faking a car burglary to cover a €23,000 hole from the village council’s budget.
According to Police Chief Michalis Papageorgiou, the 49-year-old reported to police on Thursday that the rear window of his car had been smashed and a briefcase containing €23,000 and official documents were stolen.
“When our officers went to the scene they noticed there was no broken glass,” said Papageorgiou.
He added: “During questioning the man confessed that he made a false report because while serving as community leader he had embezzled that money.”
The 49-year-old was relieved of his duties earlier this month by the Limassol district officer after having to declare Klonari village council bankrupt.
During questioning, the man confessed that he had made a number of withdrawals from the council bank account for personal reasons, starting last year, noting that he had intended to return the money at some point.
He then confessed to having broken his own car window to make it look as if the missing money was stolen along with important documents detailing council activities.
The 49-year-old was remanded in custody for six days yesterday and potentially faces charges of theft by a public official, abuse of power, public harm and other offences.