Greece’s Counter-Terrorism Service has arrested three people, two men and a woman, as part of a large-scale operation under way since the early hours of the morning in areas of Thessaloniki and Crete.

The operation has aimed to solve the arson attacks carried out on 1 July against the homes of officials from New Democracy. One of the attacks ended in tragedy with the death of Vagia Nestora, while four other people were injured.

According to reports, the woman and one of the two men arrested are believed to have formed the “operational pair” behind the attack, while the second man is said to have played a supporting role. The woman reportedly travelled to Crete after the attack, where she was tracked down and arrested by police. Authorities believe the three detainees were involved solely in the attack on the Nestora family home.

Suspects known figures in Greece’s anarchist scene

The woman arrested in Chania, Crete, has links to Greece’s anarchist movement and is reported to have been an active participant in it. Originally from Athens, she had been living in Thessaloniki and is believed to have travelled to Chania to hide at the home of acquaintances. She had previously been imprisoned in 2022 as a member of the anarchist group Anarchist Action (Anarchiki Drasi).

The second person arrested is a man born in 1997 who, according to the same sources, is a member of the Anarchist Council of Thessaloniki (Symvoulio Anarchikon Thessalonikis). He had previously been brought in for questioning by police in 2015, with a further such instance in 2026.

The third person arrested is reported to be the owner of the house in which the two suspects sought refuge after the attack.

Alongside the arrests, police are carrying out searches of homes and other locations in search of further evidence that could shed light on all aspects of the case.

Investigators examining CCTV and DNA evidence

According to reports, the Counter-Terrorism Service has focused its attention on individuals captured on video footage gathered from security cameras in the area.

Service analysts are closely examining the suspects’ movements before and after the attacks, in an effort to map out the network of those involved and establish the precise role played by each person.

Among those under investigation, according to reports, is a man originally from Crete. Authorities are looking into any involvement he may have had in organising or supporting the attacks; he is reportedly a figure already known to law enforcement from previous cases. So far, however, no official details have been released regarding his identity or the possible extent of his involvement.

Evidence recovered from the scene of the fatal attack is considered crucial to the progress of the investigation. Despite extensive damage caused by the explosion and fire, forensic laboratory specialists managed to collect items that could potentially lead investigators to the perpetrators. These include material residues and other pieces of evidence from which genetic material is being sought.

Ongoing DNA analysis is expected to provide critical answers regarding those who may have taken part in constructing, transporting or planting the device. Investigators are also examining telecommunications data, mobile phone movements and every available digital trace.

The investigation also continues to focus on a possible connection between the perpetrators and other arson attacks recorded in Thessaloniki in recent months, in an effort to determine whether an organised cell was behind a coordinated campaign of attacks.

Investigators are also working to reconstruct with precision the sequence of events that led to the fatal attack. Particular attention is being paid to the second, powerful explosion that followed the outbreak of the fire.

According to information released by the Hellenic Police, investigators are looking into the possibility that the explosion was caused by ignited vehicle fuel, a factor that is believed to have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread through the building.

The case is regarded as one of the most serious the Counter-Terrorism Service has had to handle in recent times, given that the attack resulted in the loss of human life. As a result, the investigation is proceeding at an intensive pace and under strict confidentiality.

Authorities believe that the evidence already gathered, combined with the results of forensic testing and the ongoing investigations, will lead to a full mapping of the case and the identification of everyone involved in the attacks.