Authorities in Thessaloniki are working to identify the perpetrators behind a series of arson attacks—including the fatal attack that killed Vagia Nestor—as well as reconstructing their exact route before and after the coordinated firebombings targeting homes of New Democracy (ND) party officials in the city.
Tracking Movement and Identifying Suspects
The Anti-Terrorist Unit, leading the investigation into three separate gasoline-bottle attacks, is analyzing surveillance footage capturing the suspects’ movements. Investigators hope that during the initial and final phases of the operation—when the perpetrators were traveling to and from the crime scenes—they may not have fully concealed their faces or the identifying features of their motorcycles, potentially enabling identification.
Expanding the Circle of Suspects
Initial assessments suggested three individuals were involved in the deadly assault, operating two motorcycles—one pair deploying the incendiary devices while the third acted as a lookout. However, investigators are now also considering the possible involvement of a fourth suspect.
Two Groups? A Growing Possibility
The timing and geography of the attacks raise questions about whether a single group—or possibly two separate cells—carried them out. All three attacks occurred within a 17-minute window. Notably, two of the targeted apartment buildings were just two minutes apart by motorcycle, while the distance between the second and third locations would require approximately 15 minutes to cover—raising doubts about whether one team could realistically transport an incendiary device across that stretch without detection, especially amid heightened public and police presence.
Evidence Under Analysis
Greek Police (ELAS) have already secured video evidence of the suspects’ movements. Forensic labs are conducting detailed examinations of remnants recovered from the incendiary devices. Meanwhile, investigative focus has narrowed to a core group of around 30 anarchists known for involvement in past squatting actions in Thessaloniki.
Unclear Roles
It remains undetermined whether the at-least-three identified men were the direct perpetrators—or if they served as masterminds who selected targets and directed others to carry out the attacks.