Greek authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the high-profile assassination of Greek underworld figure Giorgos Moskouris, known by the alias “Thamnakias,” in Halandri, Athens. The case has drawn particular attention in Albanian communities after police confirmed that two of the suspects are Greek nationals of Albanian origin.
The arrests were carried out on Tuesday, May 6, following a months-long investigation by Greece’s Homicide Department. According to police findings, the four suspects are believed to have played a critical operational role in the April 24, 2025 execution of the 55-year-old criminal figure outside a private clinic in Halandri. Authorities identified the suspects as Dhionis Kokoni, another man with the surname Jupe, as well as Dimitris Aleksopoulos and Alexandros Petropoulos.
Investigators say the group allegedly handled the logistical side of the murder operation, including securing weapons, vehicles, transportation, and operational support for the foreign hitmen who reportedly entered Greece solely to carry out the assassination before immediately leaving the country.
Greek police are now focusing their investigation on the so-called “Entik,” described by authorities as a major figure within the Russian-speaking criminal underworld and believed to be located in Dubai. Investigators suspect that the order to eliminate Moskouris may be linked to a dispute over control of cigarette smuggling networks, an activity in which the victim was reportedly involved in recent months.
Authorities are also examining possible links to Giannis Lalas, who previously collaborated with Moskouris before their relationship reportedly ended. Police sources are investigating whether members connected to the Lalas network may have later aligned themselves with the “Entik” group.
The four suspects also face accusations related to other organized crime activities, including a 2024 bombing at a car dealership in Nea Erythraia. Investigators additionally uncovered evidence of alleged illegal surveillance activities, including a GPS tracking device and surveillance cameras connected to another ongoing criminal investigation.
Despite the arrests, Greek authorities stress that the actual gunmen remain at large. Police are actively searching for at least two foreign assassins who carried out the ambush using military-style rifles before escaping in a stolen vehicle later found burned in Patima, Halandri.