Greek authorities are investigating a serious arson case in Chania, on the island of Crete, in which a former Russian mayor is alleged to have masterminded the firebombing of a local business.
According to police, the 78-year-old former official paid three Greek nationals to set fire to a shop in the seaside area of Almyrida on January 19. Investigators believe the attack was intended as a “warning message” to his 65-year-old former wife.
The suspect denies all charges. However, law enforcement authorities consider him the alleged instigator of the attack, which resulted in the complete destruction of the business and damages estimated at €150,000.
Wrong Target Destroyed
Investigators say the shop that was burned did not belong to the former wife. Instead, it was owned by an unrelated woman whose only connection to the case was that her architectural office was located next to a business associated with the suspect’s ex-partner.
The owner of the destroyed shop has said she is devastated, stressing that her life and professional activity were ruined over a dispute that had nothing to do with her.
The Alleged Plan
Police allege that the former mayor recruited two young men from northern Greece and one local resident from Chania to carry out the attack. The objective, according to investigators, was to intimidate his former wife into either transferring ownership of two apartments in Almyrida or paying him a sum of money.
Authorities say the local suspect played a central role in executing the plan, purchasing gasoline containers from a nearby fuel station without raising suspicion.
The alleged operation involved the use of foreign mobile phones, hotel accommodation, a rental vehicle and a change of clothes after the arson. The suspects are believed to have discarded the clothes in a ravine while fleeing the scene.
Security Footage and a Crucial Burn Injury
Security camera footage reportedly shows two of the suspects holding gasoline containers shortly before the fire and running away in panic after the explosion.
One of them was identified in part due to burns on his hand, which he photographed the day after the incident. A fire department inspection report indicates that the perpetrator appeared to be trying to extinguish flames on the hand that was holding the fuel container immediately after igniting the fire.
From Public Office to Criminal Charges
The 78-year-old had previously served for years as a state official and mayor in Russia, with a long political career and distinctions. He is now facing charges in Greece including participation in a criminal organization, incitement to extortion and arson.
His former partner has reported receiving threatening messages both before and after the fire, including warnings of further attacks.
