Arrest of 31-Year-Old Linked to Ampelokipoi Apartment Explosion

The Counter-Terrorism Service arrested a 31-year-old man last night in connection with the explosion at an apartment on Arkadias Street in Ampelokipoi.

According to an official statement, the 31-year-old voluntarily came forward last night. According to reports, he is allegedly linked to the woman who received the apartment keys from the owner and was at a close distance from the apartment at the time of the explosion. The 31-year-old is expected to be brought before the Prosecutor today.

The scenarios being considered by the Hellenic Police (ELAS) regarding the explosion in the Ampelokipoi apartment

Meanwhile, the Hellenic Police continue to investigate the explosion of a makeshift bomb in the Ampelokipoi apartment on Thursday afternoon (October 31), which resulted in the death of a man and the serious injury of a woman.

The police focus initially on individuals who had access to the apartment, as testimonies indicate activity in the apartment to determine whether this is a new emergent group. So far, the woman who was seriously injured and is hospitalized at Evangelismos Hospital has been identified. She has previously drawn the attention of the authorities and is allegedly associated with the anarchist circle. Additionally, another woman who reportedly obtained the apartment keys from the owner's son, who is in the Netherlands, has also been identified. The identity of the man who instantly died in the explosion remains unknown, as DNA and fingerprint analyses do not indicate any criminal record.

At the same time, as emphasized today on the SKAI TV channel by the spokesperson of ELAS, Konstantina Demoglidu, everything suggests that the bomb the unknown man was preparing, which contained a large quantity of powerful explosives, was intended to be placed at a target soon. "Usually, these individuals do not keep such materials in their possession for long. They want to avoid accidents and to prevent being caught with such mechanisms. Therefore, we assume this action was imminent, and the device they had created would not remain in their hands for long."

Additionally, Ms. Demoglidu noted, "We are awaiting the results from the Directorate of Forensic Investigations to determine what was used in this mechanism, if there are any residues."

Regarding where the explosive device was to be placed, though it is still early, counter-terrorism officials speculate that the apartment served as a starting point for targets located nearby. As Ms. Demoglidu emphasized, the apartment was close to both the Attica General Police Directorate and various ministries and embassies.

At the same time, the Counter-Terrorism Service is examining the scenario that the specific group on Arkadias Street, where the Ampelokipoi apartment is located, might be linked to the bombing at the Ministry of Labor last February, claimed by the Revolutionary Class Self-Defence group or the failed bombing attempt at the MAT headquarters in Goudi in December 2023, claimed by the Armed Proletarian Justice.

D.S.

PHOTO: APE-MPE/GIORGOS VITSARAS