Μurder of Lalas: Tens of thousands of euros and gold sovereigns were found in the possession of the perpetrators

Police found large amounts of cash in the possession of the four defendants accused of the mafia-style execution of Giannis Lalas on November 1 in Livadi Arachovas, during searches conducted at their homes.

In addition to the eight firearms discovered (seven pistols and one revolver — three in the homes of the two younger suspects with supporting roles in Thessaloniki, and five in the homes of the main perpetrators in Athens and Chalandri), investigators also located and seized large sums of money believed to have come from cashing in the contract killing of Lalas.

A total of 100,000–110,000 euros in cash and gold sovereigns were found, with 70,000 of those located at the home of the 37-year-old main perpetrator in Athens. They received large sums and immediately began spending lavishly on expensive cars and a luxury lifestyle.

The largest amount was held by the 37-year-old, considered the primary suspect, along with his close accomplice. The two younger men, who had not previously attracted police attention and acted in supporting roles, are believed to have received about 10,000 euros each.

Homicide investigators believe they may have prevented another attack the suspects were preparing.

Authorities had already identified the perpetrators for several days but chose to intervene and arrest them when, on Friday (14/11), the two main and well-known offenders left Athens for Kavala, staying in a hotel. Police noticed suspicious movements consistent with preparations for a new hit. The intended target remains unknown, but it was most likely in Northern Greece.

According to a senior officer of the “Greek FBI,” the perpetrators “developed a taste” for the profits and wanted to take on a new contract killing.

How police tracked them down

A key factor in solving the case was the attack carried out by the two main suspects last September against an Olympiacos supporter in Pagkrati, who had previously been a friend of Lalas and had worked at his gas stations. Police had identified them for that attempted murder.

They noted similarities between that incident and the mafia-style execution in Arachova. By checking the 37-year-old’s mobile phone, they confirmed that the phone signal disappeared from Athens and reappeared in Viotia on the day of the murder. Combined with video footage capturing their escape and a series of additional findings, investigators were able to identify the perpetrators.

The investigation also showed that the four suspects traveled to Arachova using three vehicles:

• A stolen car used to reach the chalet and kill Lalas — later burned along with the Kalashnikov and two pistols used in the attack
• Two additional cars driven by the younger suspects, used for their escape (two per vehicle)

The group consists of four Greek nationals:

• The two younger suspects had supporting roles and no prior record, though weapons were found in Thessaloniki, their hometown
• The two main offenders had extensive criminal histories
• The 37-year-old, originally from Kavala, had participated in the 2022 kidnapping of auto parts businessman Giorgos Kyparissis in Drafi. He also had a long history of attempted homicides and robberies
• The second main offender was his accomplice in the recent attempted murder of the 34-year-old Olympiacos supporter in Pagkrati

Searches were conducted at their residences in central Athens and Chalandri.

The mastermind behind the Lalas execution remains unknown

The investigation for the moral instigator and person who ordered the killing remains open, with authorities considering it highly likely that the contract killing was commissioned domestically.

The victim, who had previously been charged — and acquitted — for the murders of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz and a boxer in Galatsi alongside his brother, had recently aligned himself with the Russian-speaking crime group run by “Entik,” which is embroiled in a war with the “Greek Mafia” over cigarette smuggling. He also owned gas stations and was involved in fuel smuggling.

As a direct associate of the Russian-speaking mafia while in prison, he had clashed with rival groups and had assaulted a leading member of the “Greek Mafia” inside prison on Entik’s orders, thereby choosing sides and fueling longstanding feuds.

Authorities do not rule out his involvement in contract killings against rivals.

Last May, there had already been an attempt on his life, when assailants chased him outside one of his gas stations in Ano Liosia. He survived thanks to his armored Mercedes, despite the hail of bullets.

The killers had set up an ambush outside the chalet, waiting for the moment he would step onto the balcony. They knew he was without bodyguards. A phone call he received caused him to go outside. As soon as they saw him, they sprayed him with bullets, firing at him with a Kalashnikov and a 9mm pistol.

The four defendants are expected to appear before the prosecutor on Sunday afternoon (16/11) with the case file that has been prepared against them.