A TV host and publisher has been been initially detained by police and later arrested and is accused for faking an armed attack at his own house after police withdrew protection he received as a private citizen. There have been also allegations of having taken out a contract on the life of a prominent journalist has been arrested on suspicion of forming a criminal organization.
Τhe 35-year-old TV host and two other Greek men who operated as accomplices were arrested on Tuesday.
The TV-man faces charges for 2 felonies and 7 misdemeanors, state-run news agency amna reported.
According to kathimerini, the suspect had himself become news fodder earlier this month, when it was discovered that he enjoyed unwarranted constant police protection because his life was supposedly in danger. The police detail was taken away and a prosecutor is investigating the case.
Last Thursday, the TV-host reported an armed nighttime attack on his house. A police investigation found out that the same gun had been used in an armed attack against police officers on April 16. The two perpetrators were arrested.
The police have also presented evidence of text communications between the accused, including messages on the day of the attack.
At least one of the alleged accomplices has a long criminal record, media reported citing police sources.
The TV-host is reportedly also being investigated in connection with a complaint filed last week by prominent journalist Kostas Vaxevanis who said that he had received a tip-off from a source suggesting that he had put out a contract against him.
According to state-run news agency, the TV host is being investigated regarding Vaxevanis’ allegations and also for other cases like his economic activity, the use of fake documents etc following also allegations.
Τhe arrested will testify to the charges on Saturday morning.
Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis congratulated Greek Police for “solving this cases that stinks”. He posted a statement. on Twitter and Facebook, however, without mentioning what case exactly he was referring to.
