Marfin case: Two arrests over 2010 arson – 12 more people still being sought
Police have identified two 42-year-old men in connection with the fatal Molotov cocktail attack on the Marfin branch. According to information, 12 people took part in an organised plan.
Marfin case: Two arrests over 2010 arson – 12 more people still being sought
Two men aged 42 were brought before the courts of the former Evelpidon School following their arrest in connection with the fatal attack using incendiary bombs on the Marfin branch on Stadiou Street, which occurred on 5 May 2010. The prosecuting authorities have charged them with intentional manslaughter on joint charges for the deaths of three employees who were trapped in the flames: Angeliki Papathanasopoulou (32 years old, pregnant), Epaminondas Tsakalos (36 years old) and Paraskevi Zoulia (35 years old).
As Newsbeast reports, officers believe that the action was concealed behind an organised plan involving the participation of twelve people, grouped into two sub-units — one operational and one coordinating. Homicide officers utilised material from all services of the Greek police force, employing modern techniques of digital analysis with artificial intelligence.
The decisive evidence that led to the identifications emerged from an earlier investigation by the counter-terrorism unit into explosives in 2020. In a warehouse in the Koukaki area, explosive materials, timers and detonators had been discovered. The premises had been rented by a known figure from the anti-establishment milieu, in which digital material was found containing photographs and videos from a 2009 holiday. At the time, those particular optical files could not be adequately assessed. With current technology, comparison and recognition became possible.
Specifically, it was found that one of those arrested appeared in the bank branch with a rucksack bearing three stars in paint — a detail that had also been captured in the 2009 photographs. Furthermore, correspondences were found in the height, limbs, ears, clothing and footwear of the suspects.
The authorities believe that of the twelve people who participated, five had an active role in the action. Among these, three have been identified — the two arrested men and a 46-year-old woman who has been living in the United Kingdom for the past seven years. An international arrest warrant is expected to be issued for the latter. Her lawyer, Anni Paparou, stated that her client wishes to cooperate with the authorities and maintains her innocence.
Maria Karagianni, who survived the attack, testified that she heard from the basement the cries of her colleagues begging the perpetrators to stop, as there were people in the building.
Source: Newsbeast