Greek judiciary opens inquiry into prosecutor’s son’s mysterious death

·

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Jon Adgemis’ pub buyback plan collapses after missed $6.7m payment

Bankrupt dealmaker Jon Adgemis has lost his bid to regain five Sydney pubs after missing a $6.7 million payment to administrators.

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris slams voluntary gambling trial as ‘missed opportunity’

City of Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris criticised the Victorian government’s gambling reform trial for failing to include mandatory loss limits.

Greece and Australia among world’s most powerful passports as US drops out of top 10

Greece and Australia have both secured top spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks global passports.

IMF projects steady debt decline and budget surpluses for Greece through 2030

Greece is on track to maintain primary budget surpluses and continue reducing its public debt through the end of the decade.

Hamas hands over two more hostage bodies as Israel presses for full return

The Red Cross has received the bodies of two additional hostages from Hamas, bringing the total number of remains returned to nine out of 28.

You May Also Like

Ex-banker, George Vrettakos, spared immediate jail term over $3.75 million fraud

Former banker, George Vrettakos, was spared an immediate jail term in the County Court over $3.75 million fraud.

The life and career of iconic Greek actress Irene Papas

Irene Papas was an iconic Greek actress who went beyond the narrow limits of her own country to make a career abroad.

Keeping culture and history alive: Pontians from Canberra hold first-ever Panagia Dance

For the first time, a special dance at Greek Orthodox Church Hall of Saint Demetrios in Queanbeyan celebrated the Dormition of Virgin Mary.