Alexander Giannakakis, Obstruction of Investigation, Massachusetts 2020

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Arrest Made in Obstruction of Investigation into Jewish-Affiliated Institution Fires

A Boston man has been arrested and charged with obstructing an investigation into fires set at Jewish-affiliated institutions in Massachusetts. Alexander Giannakakis, 35, of Quincy, was arrested by Swedish authorities in a Stockholm suburb at the request of the United States.

According to the indictment, Giannakakis allegedly made false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism, falsified and concealed material facts, and tampered with documents and official proceedings.

The investigation began in May 2019 after four fires were set at Jewish-related institutions in the Boston area. Giannakakis’s younger brother became a prime suspect in the investigation, but was hospitalized and remained in a coma until his death.

Giannakakis allegedly visited two storage units, one of which he had leased himself, and removed items belonging to his brother, including items with swastikas and a bottle of cyanide. He admitted to maintaining and controlling access to the storage units and provided false information to investigators.

Giannakakis is currently being held in Swedish custody and the United States plans to seek his extradition to face charges in Boston.

The United States Attorney, Rachael S. Rollins, praised the close partnership with state, local, federal, and international law enforcement partners, specifically the Swedish Security Service, for their assistance in bringing justice to the victims.

The FBI’s Boston Division also commended the Swedish Security Service for their help in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

Giannakakis’s charges include making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism, falsifying and concealing material facts, concealing records in a federal investigation, tampering with documents and objects, and tampering with an official proceeding.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will prosecute the case.

The indictment alleges that Giannakakis knew his statements and actions were intentionally false and misleading, and that he deliberately lied to investigators to prevent them from seizing his brother’s property.