Authorities in Rhodes, Greece, have clarified that the death of 64-year-old hotelier Konstantinos Tsiantis, originally treated as a traffic accident, was in fact a homicide.
Tsiantis was discovered in May 2025, trapped under his moped in a small ravine near Pastida, after being reported missing on May 1st. Initial investigations suggested he had died in an accident, prompting a Silver Alert to locate him.
Months of in-depth investigation by the Ialysos Police Department revealed that a 49-year-old Ukrainian, previously known to authorities for past offenses including fraud and illegal migrant facilitation, allegedly orchestrated the scene to make the death appear accidental. Personal differences between the suspect and Tsiantis are believed to have motivated the crime.
Key evidence included the location of the moped’s keys, found separate from the vehicle, and surveillance footage capturing the victim with the suspect. Additionally, electronic data from mobile phones helped authorities piece together the events leading to Tsiantis’ death.
On January 20, 2026, the police formally announced that the case has been solved. A criminal case has been filed against the 49-year-old for premeditated murder, and authorities are expected to issue an arrest warrant.
