Two men have been ordered into pre-trial detention in Thessaloniki in connection with the deaths of two women who had been reported missing months apart, as Greek authorities pursue murder and fatal rape charges in a case that has shocked the city.
A 52-year-old suspect faces charges of intentional homicide and fatal rape, while a 50-year-old man is charged as a co-perpetrator in the fatal rape of one of the victims. Both were jailed by joint decision of an investigating judge and a prosecutor following their testimonies.
The case centers on the deaths of a 46-year-old and a 42-year-old woman whose disappearances triggered lengthy police investigations.
Charges and allegations
According to the indictment, both men are charged with fatal rape acting together in the case of the 46-year-old woman. The charge is based on the 52-year-old’s pre-trial confession, in which he allegedly said the woman died from asphyxiation during a sexual act. He reportedly told investigators that her body was later disposed of in a trash container.
The 50-year-old defendant denies any involvement, claiming the allegations made by his co-defendant are false.
The 52-year-old also faces a separate charge of intentional homicide for the death of a 42-year-old woman. Her body was found last week in an advanced state of decomposition in a rooftop storage area of an apartment building in the Menemeni district of Thessaloniki. Although initial indications also point to death by asphyxiation, the suspect denies involvement in her death, which remains under forensic examination.
Court appearances
During his appearance before the investigating judge, the 52-year-old exercised his right to remain silent and referred to his earlier statements to police. The 50-year-old categorically denied any role in the 46-year-old’s death.
An arrest warrant was issued against the 52-year-old, and both men were remanded in custody after their testimonies.
How police built the case
The investigation was led by northern Greece’s organized crime unit, which conducted a methodical probe into the disappearances of the two women. Authorities say both victims had contact with the 52-year-old due to shared drug use.
Police believe the crimes took place in a basement area of an apartment building in Menemeni at different times.
The 46-year-old woman was reported missing in February 2025 in the city of Alexandroupoli. The 52-year-old allegedly confessed that she was killed in October 2024.
The 42-year-old woman had been missing since July 2025, with her disappearance reported about a week later. She was found dead only days ago in the same building complex where investigators believe the crimes occurred.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances and timelines of the two deaths, relying on forensic findings and witness statements. The case emerged after months of inquiries into missing women and remains under active investigation.
