Two 42-year-old men were brought before the prosecutor at the former Evelpidon Military Academy in Athens in connection with the fatal Molotov cocktail attack on a Marfin Bank branch in May 2010. According to police, they and a 42-year-old woman were the individuals involved in the arson that killed three people during a nationwide strike against Greece’s first austerity memorandum.
High-Security Transfer
Under strict security measures—and wearing bulletproof vests—the two suspects were escorted to the prosecutor’s office to face formal charges. Authorities expect them to request time to prepare their statements.
A five-vehicle convoy carrying the suspects departed from the General Directorate of Police (GADA) at 5:10 p.m. and arrived at the Evelpidon courthouse complex just four minutes later. Outside the building, units of the Mobile Immediate Action Force (MAT) were deployed, while more than 10 fully armed officers from the Special Suppressive Antiterrorist Unit (EKAM) accompanied the suspects inside the convoy vehicles.
Anonymous Email Triggers New Breakthrough
The recent developments stem from an anonymous email sent to Greece’s National Intelligence Service—often referred to informally as the ‘Greek FBI’—which named the three suspects and others allegedly linked to the same group. Police deemed the tip credible and launched a full re-examination of the case file.
Investigators cross-referenced photographs, physical descriptions, clothing details, and other identifying features across multiple unresolved cases—including a triple homicide that had remained unsolved for 16 years. Their analysis concluded that the same individuals were responsible for the Marfin Bank attack.
Based on this new evidence, the case was reopened and reassigned to the Third Regular Investigating Judge, who issued arrest warrants. A criminal investigation into homicide and arson has since been formally reinstated.
Arrests and Ongoing Manhunt
In a joint operation by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, the two men were arrested in the Athens neighborhoods of Kypseli and Chalandri. A 46-year-old woman—identified as a third suspect—is currently wanted; according to authorities, she resides permanently in the United Kingdom.
Notably, none of the three individuals had previously come under scrutiny during the initial investigation—an omission that explains why no charges were filed until now.
Background: The Marfin Tragedy
The attack occurred on May 5, 2010, amid mass protests against Greece’s first bailout agreement. Unknown assailants threw Molotov cocktails into the Marfin Bank branch on Stadiou Street in central Athens, igniting a fire that claimed the lives of three employees trapped inside.