The murder of a 43-year-old Polish economics professor in Agia Paraskevi, a suburb of Athens, has been linked to a custody battle with his former wife. Greek authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the case, including the former spouse of the victim, who is accused of orchestrating the attack with her current partner and several accomplices.
Custody Ruling Sparked Deadly Plan
The killing reportedly followed a court decision granting the professor permission to take his two children abroad—an outcome that his former wife allegedly feared and strongly opposed. In addition to the custody dispute, the two ex-partners were also involved in a financial disagreement related to businesses they had established together in the United States while they were married.
The Conspiracy and Execution
According to authorities, the woman’s 35-year-old partner initially sought out a Bulgarian associate in Nafplion to intimidate or assault the victim. When that plan fell through, the Bulgarian connected him with two Albanian nationals. Though they refused to confront the professor directly, they agreed to assist in transporting the perpetrator to the crime scene and later helped construct an alibi.
The attacker traveled from Nafplion to Athens, where he had prior knowledge of a scheduled meeting between the victim and his children in Haidari. The professor and his children had planned to consult with a child psychologist to reach a mutual agreement regarding custody arrangements.
While the initial plan was to ambush the professor in Haidari, circumstances forced the attacker to adapt. He instead carried out the murder on Irinis Street in Agia Paraskevi, outside the home of his partner. The victim had arrived there to pick up his children when he was ambushed and fatally shot.
Attempt to Establish an Alibi
After the killing, the perpetrator discarded the weapon—a Tokarev pistol reportedly acquired in central Athens—and his jacket in a trash bin. He then took a series of buses to reach Nafplion, where he attempted to build an alibi. His mobile phone was left behind with the Bulgarian accomplice to give the impression that he had never left the area.
Surveillance footage helped police track down the rental vehicle used by the Albanian accomplices, ultimately leading to the arrest of all involved.
Extortion and Additional Charges
Following the murder, the Albanian accomplices allegedly began blackmailing the killer, demanding €40,000 to €50,000 in exchange for their silence. They claimed that the woman behind the plot had agreed to pay the amount, but she was arrested before any payment was made.
Minor’s Involvement Raises Concerns
Investigators also uncovered that the couple had used the professor’s 14-year-old son as an unwitting intermediary in their communications. The child was given a mobile phone to facilitate conversations between the woman and her partner, unaware of the plot unfolding around him.
Denial and Legal Proceedings
While the former wife denies any involvement in planning the murder, the remaining suspects have reportedly confessed and detailed their roles to police. All five suspects are expected to appear before the public prosecutor to face formal charges.
