“Let me go to the funeral!” – Grief and chaos inside Alikarnassos Prison after the Vorizia vendetta

Scenes of desperation and fury unfolded inside Alikarnassos Prison, following the bloody vendetta in Vorizia, Heraklion, that cost 39-year-old Fanouris Kargakis his life. His relatives, already in custody, reportedly erupted in anger and grief when they learned of his killing.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim’s brother shouted “Let me go to the funeral!”, causing panic and tension across the prison wings. Correctional officers and fellow inmates tried in vain to restrain him, while police reinforcements were called in to restore order.

Police raid on the cells of Kargakis’ relatives

In the early hours of Tuesday, officers of the Organized Crime Unit of the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) launched a surprise raid inside the facility as part of the ongoing investigation into the Vorizia blood feud.

During the cell searches, authorities discovered:

•  A mobile phone, now in the hands of the Forensic Investigation Directorate.
•  A homemade knife,
•  A small pair of scissors,
•  Chargers and wireless earphones.

Investigators believe these items could be crucial evidence, possibly linked to outside communications or coordination related to the vendetta.

Case files and criminal background

According to police sources, Kargakis’ detained relatives are involved in ongoing criminal cases concerning illegal possession and use of firearms, as well as previous violent incidents in the broader Messara region.

The Heraklion Police Directorate is examining whether these earlier cases are connected to the recent explosion of violence in Vorizia, as the same rival families appear to be part of a longstanding feud fueled by revenge.

At the same time, a new case file has been opened following the prison raid, including charges of illegal possession of communication devices and sharp objects. The case is now in the hands of the local prosecutor, who will determine possible disciplinary and criminal responsibilities.

The tragic visit and the bloodshed

Just one day before his murder, Fanouris Kargakis had visited Alikarnassos Prison—on October 31st—to see his brother, brother-in-law, and nephew, who are being held in pre-trial detention.

No one could have imagined that within hours, Vorizia would turn into a battlefield, leaving two people dead and four injured.

His funeral took place under heavy police presence, in an atmosphere of deep mourning and anger, as Crete once again found itself in the shadow of revenge.

Three brothers wanted – Police intensify the manhunt

Police are actively searching for three brothers, aged 19, 27, and 29, who are believed to be directly linked to the case. The 27-year-old, owner of the house where an improvised explosive device went off, is considered a key figure in the investigation.

Sources suggest they may surrender following the funeral of 56-year-old Evangelia Fragkiadaki, held in Chania.

According to police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou, the investigation will continue “with undiminished intensity”, as authorities are certain that more individuals are involved in the deadly chain of events.

Crete on edge – fears of renewed bloodshed

Tension remains extremely high across Vorizia and surrounding villages, with police forces heavily deployed to prevent further violence.

Residents describe a community gripped by fear, haunted by a feud that never truly ended. Local leaders are urging immediate intervention to stop the cycle of blood and retaliation that has plagued Crete for years.

The Vorizia vendetta has become one of Crete’s most shocking criminal sagas in recent years. As investigations deepen, authorities race to prevent yet another eruption of revenge-fueled violence on the island.