Arson at New Ionian café leaves families homeless amid mafia-linked investigation

In the pre-dawn hours, a fire broke out at a café-shisha establishment on Kastamonis Street in New Ionian, igniting the building and forcing six rooftop residents to be rescued by firefighters. No casualties were reported, but the damage rendered the three-floor apartment block unlivable, leaving multiple families homeless. The organized-crime division of the police is analysing surveillance footage, testimonies and the telephone-privacy lift, while also scrutinising the past of the presumed owner, a young man identified as Syros, who has already given a statement.

The probe considers whether the arson is connected to earlier attacks on similar venues in the Agios Panteleimonas area of Athens and whether orders came from individuals behind bars. Fire service investigators are also looking into the possible use of flammable liquids, as no explosive residue was found. Local officials have yet to announce which agency will provide temporary housing or repairs for the displaced residents.