The copper plaque from the tombstone of former President Tassos Papadopoulos has been found, police said on Monday, after it was discovered stolen on Sunday.
The plaque, depicting Papadopoulos, was reported stolen on Sunday morning, along with two copper crosses from other graves in the old cemetery in Deftera village, in the Nicosia district. The plaque’s estimated worth is €1,000 and that of the two crosses, €200 in total.
The thefts are believed to have taken place sometime during the past week.
It is not the first time that Papadopoulos’ grave has been targeted, with a macabre and bizarre attempt to ransom his body being made in 2009.
Graverobbers dug up his body, in what police described as a carefully orchestrated operation. It was missing for about three months before later being reburied.