Marfin attack solved: Two arrested, third sought
Nearly two decades after a fatal fire at a bank in Athens, police have made arrests using modern image analysis tools and AI.
Marfin attack solved: Two arrested, third sought
Nearly two decades after a fatal fire at a bank in Athens, police have made arrests using modern image analysis tools and AI.
Three employees lost their lives on 5 May 2010 when they became trapped on the third floor of the Marfin building. They were Angeliki Papathanasopoulos, who was four months pregnant, Epameinondas Tsakalis and Paraskevi Zouli. The cause of death was asphyxiation.
On 10 July 2026, police announced that they had identified three suspects. The investigation was based on new processing of optical material through advanced programmes that improved the analysis of old recordings. Authorities matched the material with photographs of three individuals from digital files that had been seized in another case involving explosives.
From the cross-referencing, correspondences emerged in body characteristics, height, clothing, the bags they were carrying and their posture. The findings were confirmed by the forensic laboratories and the digital evidence department of police.
Additionally, individuals who had not previously come forward appeared and identified the suspects. A secret email that reached police also helped advance the case. The prosecutor determined that there was strong evidence and ordered the reactivation of the case file.
On Friday morning, officers from the Organised Crime Directorate arrested two individuals aged 42. They were brought before a judicial officer and requested an adjournment to prepare their defence. A warrant has also been issued for a 46-year-old woman living in the United Kingdom, and a request will be sent for her transfer to Greece.
The arrested individuals are charged with premeditated murder. Their defence statements are scheduled for the morning of 14 July 2026.
Source: Newsit.gr