Turkish national arrested in Athens for contract killing

A 28-year-old Turkish national has been brought before the prosecutor in Athens following his arrest for the murder of a 25-year-old compatriot in the Exarcheia district. The suspect confessed to the killing, admitting he was recruited in Turkey to carry out a contract hit as part of a rivalry between Turkish organized crime groups. He stated that he was paid one million Turkish lira, approximately 18,000 euros, for the execution. The investigation revealed that the perpetrator entered Greece illegally through the Evros border region before traveling to Thessaloniki and subsequently arriving in Athens. To evade detection, the suspect utilized multiple short-term rental apartments through Airbnb platforms. He maintained one residence in Exarcheia near the crime scene and a second hideout in Kallithea. The suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee following the incident. While the victim was known to Turkish authorities as a gang member, he had no prior criminal record with the Hellenic Police.