Triple arson attack in Thessaloniki: Police search for circle of suspects
The Counter-Terrorism Service is seeking more than three people involved in the triple arson attack. Metallic elements and insulating tape were found at the sites of the explosions.
Race against time to find perpetrators of triple arson attack in Thessaloniki
The Counter-Terrorism Service is intensifying its investigation to identify all those involved in the triple arson attack in Thessaloniki, which resulted in death. According to Naftemporiki, their identification remains particularly difficult.
"There is a race against time to reach all those involved," said Greek Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou, speaking to ERT. She added that such actions do not involve only those who plant the explosive device, but there is always a supporting group.
The authorities have already established that two riders were on one motorcycle and at least one more on a second motorcycle. What is being investigated is whether these are the same perpetrators in all three cases. "At least based on the data we have so far, that is what we are finding," Dimoglidou noted.
The targets of the arson attacks were specific, a fact which reinforces the investigation by the Counter-Terrorism Service. At the same time, it is not believed that there will be any claim of responsibility, so the authorities do not expect to draw conclusions from that direction.
When asked about a possible connection to the evacuations of occupations at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the spokesperson stated that a specific "circle of suspects" is being examined. "Obviously some of them come from such types of activities, either with occupations," she said characteristically.
As regards the explosive devices, Dimoglidou stated that these are ordinary mechanisms with simple wiring, similar to those used in the past in gatherings outside tax offices against police. More information is expected from the Explosive Devices Disposal Unit, which will answer questions such as what flammable material was used and why two explosions occurred outside the home of Aphrodite Nestor, as shown in published video.
Metallic elements from the explosive device and a piece of insulating tape have been found at the sites of the explosions, according to ERT information. Specialists estimate that fingerprints or genetic material may be retained on the insulating tape, evidence that could lead to the identification of the perpetrators.
The case is now being investigated as manslaughter, a fact which provides the prosecuting authorities with additional investigative tools, including the removal of telephone confidentiality. It is also estimated that the perpetrators, after the arson activities, went to a safe location which has not yet been identified.
Visiting Thessaloniki is the Minister of Civil Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, with officials from the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime. A wide meeting will be held at Police Headquarters regarding the progress of the investigations and the coordination of actions to identify the perpetrators and any possible instigators.
Source: Naftemporiki