A gangland-style slaying was reported in central Athens overnight, with two perpetrators spraying a man inside a vehicle with a cascade of bullets.
Initial reports said more than 90 rounds were fired by an assault rifle and handgun at the victim’s armored-plated car, which was parked in front of a gas station. A total of four suspects were in an SUV out of which two perpetrators exited to fire on the victim. Hours later the fire brigade received a notification of a vehicle burning along the Athens-Corinth highway, which authorities believe is the getaway car.
According to reports, the 44-year-old victim is a local man (E.Z.) with a lengthy criminal record, including involvement in blackmail and protection rackets.
The petrol station, located in the Neos Kosmos district, is reportedly controlled by the victim’s family.
The victim was severely injured in another ambush in 2018 in Piraeus.
Authorities are collecting video footage from the scene and surrounding areas.
