Convict's escape in Serres: Second vehicle of perpetrators found burnt
A 41-year-old Albanian national escaped from guards outside Serres Hospital. The second vehicle of his accomplices was found burnt in Vrasnae.
Armed operation for the liberation of detainee at Serres Hospital
New details have emerged regarding the escape of the 41-year-old detainee from Nigrita Prison, according to In.gr, as authorities attempt to reconstruct the armed operation that unfolded late on Friday evening.
Three detainees had been transferred to Serres Hospital, accompanied by five external guard personnel from the correctional facility. Shortly after 23:00, one detainee entered the hospital with three of the guards. The 41-year-old, of Albanian nationality, and another detainee remained in the transport vehicle with two guards in the courtyard area outside the Psychiatric Clinic.
At that moment, two vehicles with lights on—which appeared to be police vehicles—approached the transport van. Three individuals descended from them carrying weapons and, under threat, forced the correctional officers to open the vehicle's door. They then grabbed the 41-year-old and departed the scene.
During the investigation, authorities located one of the two vehicles used in the operation. The car was found on a slip road of the Serres Peripheral Road, near the hospital, after it had veered off course and struck trees. Inside, a Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition were located, which competent authorities are examining.
The second vehicle was found burnt in a rural area of Vrasnae, approximately one hour's distance from the escape location. Police believe this particular vehicle is connected to the organised operation and are investigating the area, which may constitute the last lead regarding the perpetrators.
The 41-year-old who escaped was arrested in 2025 on a drugs charge. In the course of the investigation that followed his arrest, authorities allegedly established his involvement in an attempted murder case. This assault had occurred in September 2024 in Pylaea, Thessaloniki, when unknown individuals opened fire against a 25-year-old outside a canteen.
The investigation is in full progress, with priority given to identifying the perpetrators who organised and carried out the armed operation, as well as locating the fugitive.
Source: In.gr