The fourth young man arrested in connection with the deadly arson attack that claimed the life of Vagia Nestora is reportedly no stranger to law enforcement, having previously come to the attention of police authorities on multiple occasions. According to information broadcast by ANT1, the 25-year-old had been arrested on December 28, 2022, along with his brother, following a raid in the Toumba area of Thessaloniki. At the time, authorities reported that two ATMs and three commercial establishments had been vandalized.
Read more: Thessaloniki: Fourth suspect in Vagia Nestora murder invokes right to silence — his profile and what the Anti-Terrorism Unit is investigating
A police officer from the ZITA Unit who participated in the arrest spoke about the 25-year-old suspect, stating: “His arrest comes as no surprise to us. We caught him red-handed back in 2022, after a raid, along with his brother. He is well known in anti-authority circles and has a persistent tendency toward criminal behavior.”
Vagia Nestora murder: What was found in the suspects’ possession
During the 2022 arrest, officers discovered clothing and items that the suspects are believed to have used:
- Black full-face balaclavas
- Black jackets with integrated hoods
- Motorcycle gloves
- A sledgehammer with its handle wrapped in a plastic bag
The 25-year-old now faces serious charges, including manslaughter with indirect intent — both completed and attempted — participation in a terrorist organization, causing an explosion, arson, and violation of weapons legislation, including the possession of explosives.
What police sources are saying
Police sources indicate that the 25-year-old suspect and the individual known as the “Owner” of the apartment used as a base of operations are acquainted through university. Furthermore, authorities believe that the 25-year-old and those accused of carrying out the arson all move within the same anti-authority circles — and that it was within those circles that they not only met, but also formed an organized group, according to the Anti-Terrorism Unit.
The first detail that gave the arsonist pair away was that, as they approached the apartment building where the Nestora family resides, they opened an umbrella — despite it being summer — in an apparent attempt to avoid being captured on security cameras. Investigators note that the same tactic had been used by perpetrators in other arson attacks.
The 25-year-old has been granted until Monday to prepare his defense statement.
