Mystery Informant "X" Unmasked as Key to Dismantling Greece's Notorious November 17 Terror Group

10:17 28/11/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

A bombshell revelation has emerged from the memoir of former Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis: a mysterious informant, known only as "X," played a pivotal role in bringing down Greece's infamous November 17 (17N) terror group.

The revelation sheds new light on the dismantling of the organization

responsible for a decades-long reign of terror that gripped the nation.

In his book, On the Same Path, Mr. Chrysochoidis recounts how "X" emerged from the shadows in the summer of 2001, shortly after Fotis Nasiakos took charge of the Greek Police.

The informant, connected to another leftist group but unaffiliated with 17N, provided crucial intelligence that shattered the group's veil of secrecy.

"X" offered invaluable insights into 17N's inner workings, including details about its leadership, recruitment tactics, and operations.

Critically, the informant revealed the identities of key members, including Pavlos Serifis, described as "the man with the deformed hand," who was linked to early murders committed by the group.

The informant also identified a figure known as "The Tall One," a nickname for Alexandros Giotopoulos, later unmasked as the leader of 17N. This intelligence allowed authorities to intensify surveillance and gather the evidence needed to launch a series of arrests in 2002, effectively ending 17N's reign of terror.

Mr. Chrysochoidis credits "X" with fundamentally altering the course of the investigation.

The informant's detailed accounts of the group's ideology and internal dynamics provided a rare glimpse into the minds of those who carried out assassinations and bombings under the banner of revolutionary ideals.

The dismantling of 17N, responsible for the deaths of prominent figures like British diplomat Stephen Saunders and Greek industrialists, marked a turning point in Greece's fight against domestic terrorism. The group, formed in 1975, had evaded capture for decades, its secrecy fueling its notoriety.

Public sentiment towards 17N began to shift after the 1992 accidental death of bystander Thanos Axarlian during a failed bombing attempt.

The incident, coupled with strategic efforts by Mr. Chrysochoidis and his team to dismantle the group's ideological justifications, eroded public support for its violent actions.

The 17N case remains a landmark in Greek law enforcement history. Mr. Chrysochoidis' memoir offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the investigation, highlighting the critical role of human intelligence and the moral complexities of dealing with informants.

While the true identity of "X" remains shrouded in mystery, their contribution underscores the power of collaboration and persistence in combating terrorism.

By Angelos Moschovas

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