Probe ties Noor 1 suspects to fuel smuggling

eKathimerini — Prosecutors are probing the suspected involvement of some of the people embroiled in the Noor 1 heroin trafficking affair in cases of fuel smuggling, Kathimerini understands.

The investigation was launched during the course of the trial of suspects linked to the smuggling of more than 2 tons of heroin into Greece and is expected to be completed in October, according to sources.

One source with knowledge of the probe indicated that evidence has emerged linking shipowners, brokers and other entrepreneurs to fuel smuggling activities centered on the United Arab Emirates.

The new evidence is expected to be assessed during the appeal hearings of those convicted in connection with the Noor 1 heroin smuggling affair.

The Noor 1 trial, the biggest of its kind in Greek history, started in October 2015. It culminated last Tuesday with a criminal court in Piraeus handing five life sentences to the key suspects.

The convicts include a shipowner and shipping agent, both Greeks, and three Turkish accomplices. Makis Yiannousakis, formerly the owner of the Noor 1, was given a life sentence plus an eight-year term as well as a 300,000-euro fine. Giorgos Bourdouvalis, the shipping agent, also got a life sentence plus a nine-year-term and a 600,000-euro fine.

Another six defendants got more lenient sentences.