Marfin Bank arson attack (May 2010) spurs new video evidence and suspect arrests in Greece

On 5 May 2010 a coordinated Molotov‑cocktail assault on the Marfin Bank branch on Stadiou Street in Athens killed three employees, one of them a pregnant woman. The attack triggered a massive public outcry in Greece.

Sixteen years later, Greek police have released new documentary‑style video footage that captures the moments when the glass façade was shattered, a Molotov bomb was thrown and dense smoke filled the lobby. The material, together with extensive photo‑forensic analysis, enabled investigators to match distinctive items – backpacks, shoes and hats – seen in the video with personal photographs from 2008‑2010. Using specialized software and AI‑assisted image‑matching, authorities identified three suspects: two 42‑year‑old men (one described as the “coordinator”) and a 46‑year‑old woman later detained in the United Kingdom.

The 42‑year‑old alleged coordinator has been transferred to a high‑security cell in the Nafplio prison, while police continue to search for two additional participants from the anti‑establishment group involved. A parallel inquiry is also probing the anonymous e‑mail that originally revived the case. The investigations remain active as the suspects face trial for the deadly arson.