The 2011 Marfin Bank arson attack — a tragedy that claimed three lives in Athens on May 5 — has re-entered the public spotlight following three new arrests. On July 14, 2026, two of those arrested — both 42-year-old men — are set to appear before Greek judicial authorities to answer charges of premeditated homicide committed en masse.
New Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Alongside the two men, investigators have now placed two additional male suspects under scrutiny, reportedly playing pivotal roles in the attack. Meanwhile, the third suspect — a 46-year-old Greek woman — is appearing today before British courts in connection with the case. She was detained at London’s Gatwick Airport after Interpol’s Red Notice was activated, while preparing to board a scheduled Ryanair flight to Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
The Tragedy Revisited
The May 5, 2011 fire at the Marfin Bank branch in Athens killed three employees trapped on the building’s third floor: 32-year-old Angeliki Papathanasopoulou, who was four months pregnant; 35-year-old Paraskevi Zouli; and 36-year-old Epaminondas Tsakalis. All died from smoke inhalation.
A Voluntary Return That Turned into Arrest
The 46-year-old suspect — a mother of two who had lived permanently in Brighton, UK, for the past seven years — learned of her inclusion in the Greek investigation through official notification of the Red Notice. She contacted Greek homicide investigators voluntarily, declaring her innocence but expressing willingness to cooperate fully with the justice system. She even purchased a return ticket to Greece to present herself to authorities.
However, early Monday, July 13, shortly after the Red Notice took effect, she was arrested at Gatwick Airport — where she worked — during routine passport control ahead of her scheduled 5:20 a.m. flight.
Extradition Process Underway
She is currently held by the UK’s designated extradition unit in London. Greek judicial authorities are expected to formally request her extradition. According to police sources, the process could be expedited if she consents — potentially concluding within days or weeks. Without consent, it may take up to two months.
Once approved, a team from Greece’s Homicide Division will travel to London to escort her to Athens. Upon arrival, she will be brought before the Third Regular Investigating Judge for her initial statement and formal interrogation.
Today, she is scheduled to appear before a UK court as part of the preliminary extradition proceedings.