Arsonists with intent to have their assets seized

Those arrested for arson with intent, linked to financial gain (cases of land development, economic exploitation of the area, etc.) will now face not only imprisonment but also the seizure of all kinds of assets, such as bank accounts, movable and immovable property.

The significant intervention came from the head of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, Honorary Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court Charalambos Vourliotis.

Ina letter to Police and the Fire Service, Vourliotis reportedly asked the Heads of the Greek Police and the Fire Service to inform the Authority immediately so that it can take all the necessary actions when evidence emerges from the preliminary investigation that the crime of arson with intent (no. 264 par. 1 and 265 par. 1 of the Penal Code) is linked to financial gain.

“Cases of arson with intent resulting in financial gain.

According to the provision of para. ka) of no. 4 of Law 4557/18 as a basic offense for money laundering means also “… any other crime punishable by a custodial sentence, the minimum limit of which is more than three (3) months, from which property avail”.

The above case includes, among others, the crime of arson with intent (no. 264 par. 1 and 265 par. 1 of the Civil Code), as long as this is connected with a financial benefit.

Accordingly, we ask that, in the event that the pre-trial preliminary investigation reveals evidence that the specific crime is connected to financial gain, to be informed immediately, in order to proceed with our actions according to our competence,” Vvourliotis letter concluded.