Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fatal explosion that occurred outside a bank in Thessaloniki, which claimed the life of a 38-year-old woman, on the morning of Saturday, May 3.
Police are focusing their attention on a convicted inmate, known by the nickname “the tattooed robber,” currently serving time in prison, who is believed to have been in a relationship with the woman who died in the blast. The man is facing charges related to armed robbery and involvement in a terrorist organization.
Police raided his prison cell last Sunday, as well as the cells of his known associates in other prisons across the country, however, so far, no direct evidence has been found linking the 37-year-old inmate to Saturday’s explosion.
Investigators are now combing through possible electronic communications, files, and any other material that might connect the victim to the case. Authorities suspect that the woman was acting as the bomb carrier. According to the Greek police’s spokesperson the target of the attack was indeed the bank.
The investigation has also turned to a previous incident at a branch of the same bank in Athens, in January 2024. Authorities are examining whether the same woman may have been involved in that attack as well, due to similarities in the method used.
Based on current evidence, police believe the 38-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man — in whose name the apartment linked to the case was rented — were manipulated into playing minor roles. The man, according to officials, had previously served as a “front” in similar situations to rent properties.
Reports indicate the woman was found with the apartment’s address in her possession. She went directly to the location, accessed a lockbox using a code she may have received over the phone, and retrieved the key from her bag.
She then entered the apartment, where she was given instructions — likely remotely — on where to find the bag containing the bomb and how to activate it. It’s believed she may have never met the person directing her, simply following their orders step by step.
