Greek authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of 42-year-old Giannis Lalas, a man previously implicated—and later acquitted—in the high-profile murder of crime journalist Giorgos Karaivaz.
The arrests took place in the northern cities of Kavala and Thessaloniki, according to initial police information. Investigators also seized five firearms during searches linked to the case. The suspects -two diaspora Greeks from the former Soviet Union and two Greek nationals- are being questioned by officers from the Police Directorate for Organized Crime.
Police continue to search homes and locations of interest in the wider Athens region as part of the ongoing investigation. According to police sources, the four individuals are not believed to be connected to the earlier assassination attempt against Lalas in May.
Timeline of Lalas’ Killing
Lalas was found dead shortly after 11 p.m. on November 1 at a luxury chalet in Eptalofos, near the mountain town of Arachova. Lalas was considered a heavyweight in Greece’s criminal underworld and what is commonly referred to as the “Greek Mafia,” and had been staying at the chalet with his 30-year-old partner. His personal security guards, however, were not present.
According to available information, Lalas was ambushed when he stepped out onto the balcony to take a phone call. He was shot eight times, including twice in the head, with a Kalashnikov rifle. His partner, who rushed to the balcony, reportedly called the emergency services after discovering his body and informing authorities of his identity.
About 18 kilometers from the chalet, police later found a burned escape vehicle—a stolen Nissan from the Athens district of Ilioupoli. Inside, investigators discovered the murder weapon.
Lalas had previously been charged in the murder of Karaivaz, a journalist well known for reporting on organized crime. He was acquitted along with his brother by a mixed jury court in July 2024 due to lack of sufficient evidence.
An earlier attempt on Lalas’ life occurred in May outside a gas station he owned in the Athens suburb of Ano Liosia. He survived due to the armored plating of his vehicle.
The investigation into his killing remains ongoing.
