Three Turkish nationals to stand trial over EYP shooting
Three Turkish nationals will stand trial in January 2026 over a shooting incident targeting a Greek intelligence officer in Thessaloniki earlier this year.
The men, aged 49, 43, and 23, face charges including attempted murder, complicity, and illegal possession and use of firearms. They were arrested in connection with a May 27 incident involving a Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) operation monitoring suspected Turkish organized crime activity in the region.
According to the case file, the suspects’ vehicle was under surveillance when it stopped at a gas station in Tagarades. The 49-year-old allegedly exited the vehicle and opened fire on an EYP car, which was occupied only by the driver, who was not injured. The suspects fled the scene.
The alleged shooter was later arrested in a village in Rodopi, while the other two were detained in the Bulgarian town of Svilengrad and extradited to Greece.
In his testimony, the shooter claimed he acted in panic, believing he was under threat from individuals linked to Turkish intelligence. His co-defendants denied involvement, stating they were unaware he was armed.
The case is tied to broader investigations into transnational criminal networks operating within Greece.
