Incendiary attack Thessaloniki: up to four perpetrators, critical DNA findings
Counter-terrorism is focusing on residues of insulating tape with possible fingerprints or DNA. It is estimated that up to four individuals aged 25–30 years participated in the attacks.
Counter-terrorism: critical physical evidence from the incendiary devices
New findings from the three improvised incendiary devices placed in apartment buildings in Thessaloniki are being made public by ERT, as investigations by the Counter-terrorism Service are in full progress. The petrol bomb attack resulted in the death of 72-year-old Vagia Nestor and the injury of three other people, including her daughter and husband.
Insulating tape with DNA traces at the centre
Particular significance is being attached to residues of insulating tape that were found on one of the three devices. This finding does not come from the building where Vagia Nestor lost her life, but from one of the two other attacks. Experts estimate that fingerprints or genetic material may have been preserved on the tape, which could lead to the identification of the perpetrators. The material has already been transferred to forensic laboratories for specialised examination.
Small-displacement motorcycle located
According to the latest information from ERT, a small-displacement motorcycle has been located that is believed to have been used by the perpetrators. Police are examining the vehicle's circulation records and investigating the possibility that it had been used in the days prior for preparation or surveillance of the targets. In parallel, the authorities are analysing additional video footage from the wider area, which captures the movements of the perpetrators before and after the attacks.
Video document from the moment of the explosions
Video footage secured by ERTnews documents frame-by-frame the moment of the explosions. The visual material shows two consecutive explosions: the first of lesser intensity and the second particularly powerful, causing an extensive shock wave. At the moment of the second explosion, Vagia Nestor and her daughter Aphrodite were very close to the location and received the full force of the shock wave.
The 72-year-old succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter suffered serious injuries, with burns to her face, hands and feet, and is being treated in the Burns Unit of Papanikolaou Hospital. The husband of Vagia Nestor, Panayiotis Nestor, is expected to be discharged today, whilst another resident remains hospitalised in the cardiology ward following a cardiac episode due to shock.
Up to four perpetrators, two motorcycles, ten minutes
From analysis of the video footage, investigators estimate that two or even three individuals participated in the attacks, whilst information suggests that the perpetrators may have numbered four in total. According to this information, they moved on two motorcycles and managed within approximately ten minutes to place explosive devices at all three target locations. Two of the suspects appear to have been wearing helmets, whilst a third person, with an estimated support role, was wearing a hood.
The improvised devices were not particularly complex in their construction, as they consisted of petrol and an improvised plastic explosive, which allowed for rapid placement and detonation.
Suspicions of a "support group" behind the scenes
The authorities' assessments refer to individuals aged 25 to 30 years. It is being seriously examined whether these perpetrators were recruited by persons who do not appear directly in the operational aspect, but are said to be operating behind the scenes, directing the organisation and execution of the attacks. Counter-terrorism investigations are now also focusing on the identification of this "support group".
Chrysochoidis in Thessaloniki for broad coordination meeting
The Minister for Civil Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis is travelling to Thessaloniki, accompanied by members of the Counter-terrorism Service and the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime. A broad coordination meeting will be held at the Police Headquarters regarding the progress of investigations and the coordination of actions to identify the perpetrators and any possible instigators.
The fact that the case is now being investigated as homicide provides the prosecuting authorities with additional investigative tools, including the lifting of telephone confidentiality.
"A petrol bomb is also a bullet"
Panayiotis Nestor, the husband of the victim, stated to ERTnews that those who place such incendiary devices should be treated as murderers, emphasising characteristically: "A petrol bomb is also a bullet". He also expressed the conviction that those responsible will be identified soon, demanding "justice without any leniency".
The family had experienced another serious loss five years ago, when they lost another daughter. Since then, Vagia Nestor had essentially undertaken the care of her grandson. Her funeral is expected to take place in the family's particular homeland, when the condition of Aphrodite Nestor permits.
Source: ERT