Police in Thessaloniki yesterday arrested a 23-year old man, and are seeking two more suspects, in connection with the Mafia-style execution of a 42-year-old ethnic Greek from Russia on the outskirts of the northern town.

The three suspects, also ethnic Greeks from Russia, are alleged to have carried out a revenge attack on the 42-year-old, who was shot more than 25 times with a machine gun outside his home. The 42-year-old is alleged to have fatally shot the uncle of the 23-year-old suspect in Russia two years ago. Of the two other suspects, both aged 37, one is believed to have had a financial dispute with the victim.

According to police, the 42-year-old was known to Russian officers, who had investigated his alleged involvement in several murders. He had also formed part of a criminal ring trading in stolen cars that was recently disbanded by Athens police.