Bomb threat at French embassy in Athens proves a hoax, police sweep ends with no suspicious object found

The threat

An unidentified caller telephoned a warning about an explosive device at the French embassy on Akadimias Street in central Athens shortly before noon on Monday, 27 July 2026. Greek media report the call came in around 11:40, triggering an immediate response from the Hellenic Police (EL.AS) and a unit of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (TEEM).

Police response

Officers sealed off the area and halted vehicle traffic on Akadimias Street from the junction of Kanari Street while the bomb-disposal team carried out a precautionary search of the premises. The wider area around the embassy was cordoned off as the operation unfolded. According to NEWS 24/7, the embassy building was being evacuated at the time forces were arriving.

All-clear

By approximately 14:00 the checks were completed without any suspicious object or explosive mechanism being found. Authorities concluded the threat was a hoax. After the operation wrapped up, police lifted the traffic restrictions and vehicle flow on Akadimias and the surrounding streets that had seen diversions was gradually restored.

Context

None of the reports indicate who made the call or what specific claim was made beyond the existence of a bomb. The incident follows a pattern of hoax bomb threats directed at diplomatic premises, though no connection to any prior cases is noted in the source articles.

The embassy is located on one of central Athens’s busiest thoroughfares. The decision to evacuate and block traffic for roughly two and a half hours disrupted movement in the area before normality returned on Monday afternoon.