Greek police detain man linked to planned assassinations in Lithuania

A 55-year-old man has been detained in Thessaloniki, Greece, on suspicion of transferring €5,000 to support planned assassinations in Lithuania, local media reported Thursday, citing Greek publication Voria.

The suspect, a Greek national residing in Georgia, was arrested on February 10 under a European Arrest Warrant, according to Lithuanian news outlet 15min.lt. The case is tied to an alleged Russian intelligence network plotting two killings in Lithuania.

Investigators believe the intended targets were Ruslan Gabasov, a 46-year-old Russian opposition activist granted political asylum in Lithuania, and Valdas Bartkevičius, a Lithuanian public figure known for anti-Russian rhetoric and support for Ukraine. Both men were reportedly under surveillance, with perpetrators gathering intelligence through photos and video recordings.

Greek media report that the detained man is accused of facilitating a €5,000 payment—part of a larger €50,000 plot—to cover preparatory actions, including forged passports and travel arrangements for would-be assassins. The mastermind was to receive €10,000, while the killers stood to earn €40,000.

Lithuanian authorities are seeking the suspect’s extradition. The planned assassinations were thwarted in March 2025 after police arrested several individuals linked to the conspiracy. Gabasov previously stated he had been followed, and an attempt on his life was disrupted on March 11 of that year. Bartkevičius, recognized as a victim of Russian aggression, declined further comment, citing confidentiality obligations.

The case involves at least one detained individual and several other suspects with ties to Greece. Lithuanian law enforcement has described the operation as part of a broader effort to counter Russian intelligence activities in the country.