UNKNOWN individuals last night dug up the grave of former President Tassos Papadopoulos and stole his remains, officials said.
"Criminals opened the grave of the president and removed the remains," close aide of the former president, Chrysis Pantelides said.
The perpetrators left behind an empty coffin, Pantelides said.
It was spotted at around 8am by a former member of his security detail who visits the grave at Deftera cemetery every day.
The gruesome act took place just a day before the anniversary of Papadopoulos' death in 2008.
The news sent shockwaves across Cyprus with several politicians condemning the act.
Police have cordoned off the grave and are scouring the rain-soaked area for clues.
Mounds of earth could be seen at the site along with white powder, reported to be lime, scattered around.
The grave had been covered by a heavy granite slab.
It did not appear that any machinery had been used in the process, state radio said.
His family expressed its deep shock at the "heinous crime of sacrilege."
"This unholy act by grave robbers, beyond the sorrow and anger it causes, cannot in any way bury the policy or write off the legacy left by Tassos Papadopoulos," the family said in a statement.
"Wherever his body may be now, his voice will be heard and endure in these difficult times for our national matter," the statement added, referring to the Cyprus problem.
A memorial service scheduled for Saturday will go ahead as planned, the family said.

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