Explosion Hits Restaurant in Cyprus Linked to Founder of Pin-Up

^{Police officers examine the area near the entrance to the building where the explosion occurred}

An explosion occurred early on March 24 at the entrance to a restaurant in the old port area of Limassol, local outlet Politis reported. No injuries were reported, according to preliminary information.

The establishment is allegedly owned by Russian businessman Dmitry Punin — the founder of the Pin-Up online casino.

Local media said the venue may be The SHAWARMA by PUNIN.

The blast happened at around 5:00 a.m. Police arrived shortly afterwards and launched an investigation. Authorities have not disclosed details on the nature or extent of the damage.

This is not the first such incident. In December 2025, a wine boutique, PUNIN WINE, in Limassol was set on fire. Police said at the time that a flammable substance had been used. No injuries were reported.

In November, four luxury cars — Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes and Tesla — were also set on fire. Local media said the vehicles may have belonged to or been linked to Punin. Damage was estimated at more than €1 million. Police classified the case as arson.

The explosion comes amid an ongoing trial over the killing of Stavros Demosthenous, president of football club Karmiotissa, who was shot dead in October 2025. Some media outlets have previously linked the case to individuals associated with Punin.

Earlier, Gambling Park reported that revoking bookmakers’ licenses has become a tool to combat crime in Cyprus.