Former non-commissioned officer sentenced to five years over 300,000-litre military fuel theft in Selanik

A former Greek army non-commissioned officer has been sentenced to five years in prison over the theft of approximately 300,000 litres of fuel from a military pipeline near Thessaloniki (Selanik), while four other defendants received prison sentences ranging from three to six years.

The verdict was delivered by the Thessaloniki Court of Appeal for Felonies in a case involving fuel theft between 2012 and 2014. The former serviceman is reportedly being sought by authorities to serve his sentence.

According to the case details, the former non-commissioned officer was assigned to security duties in the area where the military fuel pipeline was located. Prosecutors alleged that he helped the other defendants gain access to the facility and remove the fuel.

INVESTIGATION BEGAN AFTER FUEL TANKER CRASH
The investigation began after a fuel tanker fell into an irrigation canal in a rural area near Thessaloniki. Investigators found pipes, components and other equipment inside the vehicle that were believed to have been used in the theft.

Authorities also discovered signs of tampering at a nearby manhole, leading them to uncover the theft from the military pipeline.

The investigation established the basis for charges against the former serviceman and four civilian defendants over their alleged involvement in the operation.

FOUR OTHER DEFENDANTS ALSO SENTENCED
The court sentenced two defendants to six years in prison each for incitement, while the remaining two received sentences of four and three years, respectively.

The former non-commissioned officer denied the allegations during his defence. However, according to the report, he left the courtroom before the verdict was announced and is now being sought by authorities for the enforcement of his sentence.