Greek police arrest 2 suspects linked to Karaivaz assassination

Greek police (EL.AS) on Friday announced the arrest of two unnamed suspects allegedly involved in the assassination of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz, who was gunned down in broad daylight outside his southern Athens apartment building in April 2021.

The killing of Karaivaz shocked Greek public opinion and made international headlines at the time.

Two helmeted men riding atop a scooter followed the victim, who specialized in crime reporting, with one of the two firing and hitting him at close range with an automatic handgun.

According to press reports in Athens on Friday, the two suspects are brothers, 48 and 40, with a suspected involvement in other gangland-style murder.

Taking to Facebook, relevant public order minister Takis Theodorikakos underlined:
“As we had stated from the very first moment, we will do everything to solve the murder of Giorgos Karaivaz, no matter how much time it takes.
“A short while ago Greek Police arrested two persons – for whom an arrest warrant was issued – involved in the murder of the deceased journalist. The investigation by EL.AS was recently accelerated and had an effect, leading to the solving of another murder.

“Those who used this tragic event to slander the ministry of citizens’ protection, the government as a whole, and Greek Police, owe an apology. We are proceeding with everything necessary in order to fully solve this case. Justice now has the final say.”

He added that according to reports the two arrested individuals had a secondary role in the murder, whereas the arrested pair reportedly helped the actual perpetrators flee. The are also accused of “casing” the crime scene a day before the murder.
Still other reports said authorities now have evidence pointing to the triggerman and the scooter’s rider.