Tributes paid to two Brits found shot dead in a burned-out car in Sweden - as police continue manhunt for killers following mystery slaying in Malmo
- Two British victims were found shot dead in a burnt-out car in Sweden on July 14
The families of two men found dead in a burned-out car in Sweden have paid tribute to 'two beautiful innocent hardworking souls' as police continue their desperate manhunt for the killers following the discovery of the bodies last month.
Juan Cifuentes, 33, and Farooq Abdulrazak, 37, from north London, were reported missing by family members after they failed to return home from a business trip to Scandinavia in mid-July.
Their families issued a plea for information before the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Wednesday that both had been formally identified as the two people whose bodies were found in a car in an industrial area of Malmo on Sunday 14 July.
Mr Abdulrazak's family said: 'It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart we announce the passing of our dearest son, heart-warming brother, loving husband, bestest uncle and dearest friend, Farooq Abdulrazak.
'We are sincerely devastated, broken in many ways words cannot describe. We have lost two beautiful innocent hardworking souls. Our loss has not only shattered our family and friends but has also impacted our local community deeply.'
Farooq Abdulrazak (left) and Juan Cifuentes (right) were formally identified as the victims
Both were captured on CCTV footage at a car hire desk in Copenhagen airport hours before they went missing in July
Forensic teams at the scene upon discovery of the burnt-out car last month
'Farooq is a beautiful, selfless, humble soul, someone always willing to help others. A huge pillar in our family and community, he is our sunshine who spread his positivity and brightness wherever he went,' the family continued in their statement.
'He brought people of all ages together and will be sorely missed by everyone. There was never a day that goes by where he didn't help someone through a kind act, generous words, support with a good cause or being hospitable.
'He is an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend who provided security, comfort, and love, and always brought laughter and light upon everyone.'
Mr Abdulrazak had only recently married before the business trip in July, a friend told MailOnline.
Swedish police said the victims were shot, with the Toyota Rav4 they were travelling in set on fire in an industrial area of the city in southern Sweden.
Authorities said they believed the victims had been shot before the car was set alight.
According to Swedish national newspaper Aftonbladet, the car had been rented at Copenhagen airport, in Denmark, before the driver and the passenger travelled across the border into Sweden and to Malmo.
Mr Cifuentes's family said: 'With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of a beloved father, son, brother, and friend. Juan was a devout Muslim, he was a pillar of strength and compassion, always present for those in need, regardless of their faith.
'His legacy lives on in his children, who embody the love and values he instilled in them.
'A brilliant footballer and hardworking man, he united people from all walks of life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. His memory will forever inspire us.
'We ask for your prayers and support but also space for his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.'
Both men lived in Finchley, North London and attended Finchley Mosque.
Juan had two daughters, aged three and eight, and Farooq only got married four months ago.
A friend of the two men told MailOnline last month: 'The community who meet at the mosque are very tight-knit and we are all shocked and saddened by this.
'Juan and Farooq were highly-respected, loving people who would help anyone who needed it.
'I'm numb with grief at the moment, I don't know really what else to say. Their loss is felt deeply.'
Farooq Abdulrazak was described as 'an amazing son, husband, brother, uncle and friend'
Mr Cifuentes had only married a few months before the tragic discovery in Malmo
The men were believed to have been shot before the car was set on fire. The motive is unknown
A lorry is seen carrying the burnt out car wrapped in a plastic sheet last month
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, from the homicide team in the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: 'We are supporting our colleagues in Sweden as they investigate this incredibly tragic and complex incident.
'Juan and Farooq's families are suffering profoundly and we sincerely hope they are provided with much-needed answers to the many questions they have about what happened to their loved ones.'
The police added that no arrests have been made at this time and have asked anyone who knows anything about the incident to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers.
