Execution-style murder of civil engineer linked to Mykonos activities

Police are intensifying their investigation into the murder of 54-year-old civil engineer Panagiotis Stathis, who was fatally shot on Tuesday morning outside his company's offices in Psychiko, a northern suburb of Athens. The investigation is focusing on Stathis's professional activities on the island of Mykonos, where he has been active since the late 1990s.

Local officials told Kathimerini that Stathis, a father of two, had been involved in numerous topographical studies and planning for major investments in Mykonos, including popular beach bars that had attracted scrutiny from town planning authorities for violations. Recently, he allegedly purchased a plot of land in the Agios Stefanos area, which reportedly led to significant friction with a local individual.

In addition to his work on Mykonos, Stathis was also engaged professionally on the islands of Paros and Ios, which will be examined by the police homicide department as part of their investigation. He was regarded as one of the best surveyors on these islands, frequently visiting Mykonos and maintaining strong communications with local authorities. He was expected to attend a municipal council meeting on Friday to discuss a new zoning plan.

Stathis had previously reported an assault to the police. On September 27, 2021, he filed a complaint at the Halandri police station in northern Athens, stating he had been physically attacked on Davaki Street in Halandri by unknown assailants.

The murder occurred at 8:23 a.m. at the intersection of Kritis and Eikosti Pempti Martiou streets. An unknown assailant, riding a scooter, opened fire while Stathis was in a BMW belonging to his partner. The perpetrator, dressed in a helmet, gloves, and dark clothing, used a scooter with false registration plates. CCTV footage showed the assailant moving into the area, and waiting for about an hour before the attack. Once Stathis was spotted, the assailant approached the driver's window and fired 20 rounds from a 9mm pistol.

Police sources clarified that an initial review of the videos did not reveal any accomplices at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities delve deeper into Stathis's professional engagements and any potential conflicts that could have led to his murder.

[With information from Protothema.gr]