Top Greek fugitive arrested in kidnapping probe

Police arrested the country's most wanted man while tracking down the alleged kidnappers of a prominent businessman, officials said Thursday.

Convicted armed robber Vassilis Paleokostas escaped from a maximum security prison in Athens in 2006, using a helicopter that was commadeered by accomplices.

Police early Thursday announced his arrest over the kidnapping of Greek industrialist Giorgos Mylonas, who was freed in June after his family paid a ransom. Three other kidnapping suspects were also arrested.

Paleokostas is the brother of Nikos Paleokostas, who had been considered Greece's most wanted fugitive until his arrest two years ago.

Nikos Paleokostas has been convicted in 16 bank robberies, nearly two dozen car thefts and other crimes. Altogether, he has been sentenced to 87 years in prison.

Both the Paleokostas brothers are in their 40s.

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