Authorities investigate prison shooting as possible contract killing

Greek authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a prisoner at Domokos Prison as a potential contract killing, according to law enforcement sources. Antonis Papadatos, 42, was shot three times in the head on Sunday evening inside the facility, raising serious questions about security protocols and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Papadatos was serving a sentence for the 2021 murder of hotel businessman Dimis Korfiatis in Zakynthos. The alleged shooter, a Bulgarian national identified as S.R. and known as “Razvan,” is currently serving a life sentence for the October 2018 murder of Greek-Australian John Makris outside his home in Voula.

Details of the Domokos Prison Shooting

The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. in a room without security cameras, described by police sources as the prison’s only “blind spot.” This location, typically used for meetings, provided no video evidence of the fatal encounter. A prison chief guard and possibly another inmate, Alket Rizaj, were reportedly present during the incident.

According to witnesses, Papadatos entered the room armed. The chief guard claims the victim intended to kill him, but the Bulgarian prisoner disarmed and then shot Papadatos in what was supposedly an act of intervention.

Investigators Question Self-Defense Narrative

However, investigators have expressed skepticism about this account of events. Authorities are asking critical questions about the shooting, particularly: “Why, after disarming him, did he shoot him three times in the head?” This execution-style killing suggests premeditation rather than spontaneous self-defense.

Additionally, authorities noted that Razvan allegedly lured Papadatos to the location by telling him “let’s go to the chief guard’s office, he wants us,” according to one version of events. This detail supports the theory that the prison killing was orchestrated rather than accidental.

Investigation and Administrative Consequences

The Lamia Security Division is conducting the investigation with assistance from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime. Meanwhile, the chief guard has submitted his resignation following a request from the General Secretariat for Anti-Crime Policy “for negligent performance of duties.”

This was not the first incident involving the guard. Two years ago, he was held responsible for an Albanian prisoner’s escape during improperly granted leave, raising concerns about his track record in maintaining security protocols.

Pattern of Contract Killings in Greek Prisons

This marks the second prison killing this year, following a January stabbing at Korydallos Prison that was also attributed to a contract hit. The pattern suggests organized criminal networks maintain influence inside Greece’s correctional facilities despite security measures.

In contrast to ordinary prison violence, contract killings require coordination, access to weapons, and exploitation of security vulnerabilities. The location choice in a camera-free zone at Domokos Prison indicates detailed planning and possible inside assistance.

Authorities have not confirmed whether additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The probe will likely focus on determining who ordered the hit, how weapons entered the facility, and whether prison staff enabled the killing through negligence or complicity.