Greek authorities investigating the death of a nine-month-old boy whose body was discovered inside a freezer in a suitcase at an apartment in Kypseli are examining the troubled background of one of the key suspects.
The 43-year-old Greek man was previously detained in 2020 in connection with an alleged procuring case involving a German woman.
According to her complaint at the time, she met the man through social media and later travelled to Greece after the pair entered into a relationship.
She subsequently alleged that he confined her in an apartment and attempted to force her into prostitution.
The man was remanded in custody during the investigation but was released in October 2020, reportedly amid insufficient evidence to continue holding him.
He is now among those being investigated following the discovery of the infant’s body in the Kypseli apartment.
Forensic examination raises homicide concerns
A forensic examination reportedly found at least 10 wounds on the baby’s back, with investigators suspecting that they were caused by a knife.
The child was identified as a boy aged approximately eight to nine months. Authorities have not yet determined the precise time of his death.
Following the forensic findings, the Hellenic Police (ELAS) are preparing a homicide case against those arrested in connection with the apartment.
Police questioning of the suspects is expected to proceed, while three children who were living in or present at the property are due to undergo specialist interviews. The children — a 15-year-old girl and boys aged nine and 12 — are expected to be examined through Greece’s “Child’s House” procedure, with specialist child psychologists present.
ELAS spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou said Tuesday that none of those arrested had so far provided an explanation for how the infant died or came to be inside the suitcase.
She added that the family had claimed the baby was born in a maternity hospital but had not supplied authorities with further information about his birth.
Suspect makes disturbing claims about the baby
The 43-year-old, who is currently facing separate charges relating to alleged drug trafficking and failing to report the discovery of a dead person, reportedly gave police a bizarre account of the infant’s death.
According to reports, he claimed the baby cried continuously and said his wife had been suffering from depression.
He also allegedly told investigators that the maternity hospital had given them the wrong baby and described the child as being “possessed by Satan.” He reportedly claimed that the atmosphere inside the home became calm after the infant died.
Authorities have yet to establish whether any part of the account is supported by evidence.
Investigation expands over children’s welfare
The investigation has also raised concerns about the welfare and circumstances of the other people living in the apartment.
Authorities reportedly found sexually transmitted infections in the 15-year-old pregnant girl, the 38-year-old German woman and the nine-year-old boy. Police are investigating how the infections were contracted.
Investigators also reportedly discovered suitcases containing sexual items inside the property.
The three children had previously come to the attention of authorities in 2025, when they were reportedly found alone and unaccompanied on the street and subsequently taken to a children’s hospital.
The investigation into the Kypseli apartment remains ongoing, with police seeking to establish how the infant died, who was responsible, and the circumstances surrounding the child’s presence in the home.
