Man arrested with explosives believed to be a weapons courier for criminals

A 39-year-old man arrested in central Athens last week for carrying explosives in his rental car is considered a sort of “courier” for the criminal underworld, according to security police sources.

The man was arrested on October 11 during a random police check of the car he was driving on Sokratous Street near Omonoia Square. Officers found a weapon, a small amount of explosives and detonators in the vehicle. A 34-year-old woman who was sitting in the passenger seat was also arrested.

Police believe the suspect had obtained the Tokarev pistol, detonators and explosives from an area of ​​western Attica, most likely Menidi, a few hours before his arrest. When questioned, the 39-year-old is said to have stated that he received the weapons from “Mario” without providing any further information about the person’s identity.

The officers also assume that the man does not know the recipient of the ammunition and was expecting instructions shortly before delivery. The officers found the names of various known criminals in his telephone contacts.

The 39-year-old has a long-standing criminal record. In 2008 he was arrested for possession of a significant amount of heroin and cannabis. He was initially sentenced to life imprisonment, but on appeal the sentence was changed to 20 years. After serving a third of his sentence (seven years), he was released under a law introduced in 2015 to decongest Greek prisons.

The court also ordered his deportation, but it is unclear whether the decision was implemented.

Then, earlier this summer, the suspect was accused of raping an underage girl. Charges are pending.

Following his most recent arrest, he is also accused of providing and possessing explosives.