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A USB stick, loaded with software capable of blowing up entire buildings, was found in the yard of the Trikala prison. According to the prison director Vassilis Dafos, the device is thought to be linked to a “dirty job” execution, planned by inmates.

The USB drive was found during a regular cleaning at one of the yards at the Trikala prison. The harmless at first sight device was found to contain a computer program for controlled demolition of building – prisons in particular. A possible theory is that an assassination attempt was planned by a group of inmates against the director, as he refused to release one of the detained for a leave. The prisoner in question is Panaiotis Vlastos himself, being detained and accused for planning and executing the abduction of Greek businessman Panagopoulos some months ago.

Speaking in front of a local radio station, Mr. Dafos said that the USB stick was found, around a week ago, in a small yard of the prison where inmates are not allowed to go. Because of that, the yard was only cleaned twice every week, rather than daily. Mr Dafos added that “Things are starting to become more clear now”, without providing further details concerning the contents of the memory drive or the software that was on it. The USB stick was handed to the Trikala Police, as soon as it was found in the prison, and officers are already working on the case.

Mr Dafos noted: “I was very shocked to hear my name being mentioned”. “When you realize that your life may soon be over, you suddenly appreciate the great gift of life” he added.

In relation to Panaiotis Vlastos’ leave, the director confirmed that the prison’s council has rejected letting him go, based on “evidence that disable them to do so”. Mr. Dafos also mentioned that Panaiotis Vlastos has requested a meeting with him. However, the director adds: “I am currently not psychologically predisposed for such an encounter, but at some point in the future I will talk to him. I realize what he’ll be willing to plead. He will try and argue that he’s not responsible for the planned assassination attempt.”

Mr Dafos reveals that he has submitted his resignation from the position on a number of occasions, but it has always been rejected. The real story is that he has just a couple of years left until resignation, and Mr Dafos would prefer to spend them doing administrative work rather than managing the prison.