Greece’s Supreme Court has launched an urgent investigation into the death of Vasilis Kalogirou, marking a significant shift in approach following public allegations of foul play.
The 39-year-old went missing in late December 2024. As speculation over his disappearance grew, online theories emerged suggesting a possible connection to his mother, Larissa Appeals Prosecutor Sofia Apostolaki, who was overseeing the investigation into the deadly Tempi train crash.
The 2023 Tempi rail disaster, which claimed 57 lives, sparked controversy, with the Greek government facing allegations of a cover-up and mass protests. Many online speculations linked Kalogirou’s disappearance to these accusations.
In early January 2025, Supreme Court Prosecutor Georgia Adeilini and the Union of Greek Public Prosecutors dismissed any connection between Kalogirou’s case and his mother’s work. Private investigator Giorgos Tsoukalis, hired by the family, also ruled out any link, stating, “Although public speculation connected Vasilis’ disappearance to his mother’s profession, both the family and I reject this theory.”
However, this week, Kalogirou’s body was discovered 18 km from where he vanished, with multiple injuries, raising new concerns. His mother, who had initially denied any link to her judicial role, publicly suggested that her son may have been murdered.
The case quickly took on a political dimension. SYRIZA leader Socrates Famellos criticized Supreme Court Prosecutor Adeilini in Parliament, questioning why she had been so quick to dismiss any connection between Kalogirou’s disappearance and Apostolaki’s investigations.
Adeilini defended her stance today, explaining that Apostolaki had personally requested the Greek Prosecutors’ Association and the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office to publicly refute any link between her son’s disappearance and her judicial work. “This was the reason for the statements made in early January by both the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office and the Union of Greek Public Prosecutors, which categorically rejected any attempt to exploit this tragic human event under the pretense of public information,” she stated. “Nonetheless, every possible cause of Vasilis Kalogirou’s death is now under investigation.”
Following her statement, Adeilini ordered an urgent preliminary inquiry into Kalogirou’s death. In her directive to the Larissa First Instance Prosecutor’s Office, she instructed: “Conduct an urgent investigation into the circumstances of Vasilis Kalogirou’s death, providing the necessary guidance to the police authorities already handling the case.”
Apostolaki has been summoned to testify and is expected to present names and evidence supporting her claims. “You must obtain a statement from Mrs. Sofia Apostolaki, who has publicly voiced suspicions of criminal activity against her son, asking her to identify the individuals she believes are responsible and to provide any relevant evidence,” Adeilini ordered.
Additionally, Kalogirou’s father and uncle—a former judge and ex-MP of the “Niki” party—have also been called in for questioning.
