Albanian National Arrested at Athens Airport, Released on Bail

A 48-year-old Albanian national, known as "Takis, the Albanian," was arrested at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens on Wednesday morning. He was arrested based on an outstanding arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in a car bombing that resulted in one death and other criminal acts. He had arrived from the UK.

Within hours, he was released on a €10,000 bail.

According to the news website news247.gr, Takis, known in the nightlife scene, has been accused of intentional homicide by explosion. He denies the accusations related to a 2014 car explosion on Attiki Odos in Athens that killed the Albanian driver, who worked as a bodyguard, and seriously injured his girlfriend.

He was the primary suspect in the explosion and was under investigation by authorities. An arrest warrant was issued against him.

In January 2021, he was arrested in Lamia while picking up Alker Rizai, a well-known Albanian criminal on leave from prison, along with a notorious "godfather" from the Athens southern suburbs. During a random check, police discovered a pending warrant against Takis for a mafia-style execution at a popular bar in Glyfada in October 2017.

He was arrested and remanded in custody but later released with restrictions. He denied all charges.

Takis' lawyer stated that the decision on his impeachment now rests with the judicial council. According to his lawyer, cited by the police news website law and lawandorder.gr, Takis traveled from London intentionally to testify and was aware of the potential arrest.

It's important to note that a court order issued on January 23, 2024, prohibited him from leaving Greece.