Greek police arrest suspect in Anavyssos shootout linked to fugitive Alket Rizai

Special police raid in Piraeus

Greek police arrested a 27-year-old Afghan national during a coordinated operation in an apartment in Piraeus on Friday afternoon, 2 October 2026. The targeted action was executed by officers from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, working alongside tactical teams from the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (EKAM) in the presence of an assigned judicial prosecutor. Investigators traced the suspect following the collection and analysis of intelligence by the Property Crimes Department within the Sub-Directorate for the Prosecution of Crimes Against Life and Property. The detained man had been subject to an outstanding arrest warrant that cited charges of attempted homicide together with aggravated illegal possession and use of a firearm. Following the raid, authorities transferred him directly to competent prosecutors to initiate the flagrante delicto process and complete the execution of the existing judicial warrant.

Contraband seized and forensic analysis

A thorough search of the temporary residence in Piraeus yielded weapons, cash, and illicit substances that formed the basis for additional charges against the suspect. Officers discovered a loaded pistol containing a cartridge chambered and ready to fire, accompanied by an ammunition magazine loaded with 12 cartridges. Forensic investigators also seized a knife, a makeshift plastic wrapper holding 4.3 grams of cannabis, several mobile devices, SIM cards, and 8,600 euros in cash. The confiscated firearm was delivered to the Hellenic Police Criminal Investigation Directorate to verify whether ballistic markers match the rounds recovered from the earlier shooting. Beyond the primary warrant, the 27-year-old faces prosecution for ongoing weapons and drug violations, with police files showing earlier entries for criminal organization membership, narcotics infractions, and illegal entry into the country.

The September shootout in Anavyssos

The underlying arrest warrant stems from a shooting that unfolded in the early morning hours of Sunday, 13 September 2026, outside a coastal beach bar in Anavyssos, Attica. The 27-year-old suspect, who worked as a security guard at the seaside venue, allegedly discharged a firearm with intent to kill during a dispute. Two individuals standing in the vicinity sustained light injuries from the gunfire, with both victims subsequently identified as venue personnel. Medical examinations determined that a 20-year-old Greek employee suffered a through-and-through gunshot wound to the leg, while a 41-year-old Pakistani coworker sustained injuries from bullet fragments after a round ricocheted. The violent exchange prompted an immediate investigation by regional homicide and organized crime divisions.

Links to fugitive Alket Rizai and ongoing manhunt

The Anavyssos shootout was linked to the armed involvement of convicted felon Alket Rizai, who was socializing at the venue alongside companions. Rizai had been granted temporary release from Domokos prison under his 16th regular prison leave, but he failed to return upon its expiration and remains a wanted fugitive. Video evidence recovered by police units documented Rizai brandishing a firearm and firing rounds into the air during the confrontation outside the venue. Prior to the Piraeus arrest, law enforcement had detained the beach bar owner on suspicion of harboring a criminal offender, alongside his wife on allegations of delivering false testimony. While the security guard now awaits formal court proceedings, specialized police units maintain an active search to locate and recapture Rizai.