BOSTON — A Massachusetts man has been extradited from Stockholm to face charges in connection with an investigation into arson at Jewish institutions in Arlington, Needham, and Chelsea.
Alexander Giannakakis, 37, formerly of Quincy, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for multiple offenses, including making false statements and obstruction in a matter involving domestic terrorism.
In February 2022, a Massachusetts State Police Trooper and an FBI agent traveled to Stockholm to assist in his arrest and the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, state and local police departments, the U.S.
Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts, and Swedish law enforcement.
Giannakakis was arrested after Swedish authorities learned he unlawfully possessed a firearm and other weapons in Sweden, leading to a conviction and prison sentence there.
Following his release, Sweden’s Supreme Court approved his extradition to the U.S., and on Dec. 21, the Swedish Government granted it.
On Feb. 2, Giannakakis arrived at Boston’s Logan airport and is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday afternoon.
According to the indictment, Giannakakis’ younger brother was the prime suspect in the investigation into the arsons set at Jewish-related institutions in May 2019 but was in a coma at the time of identification and later died.
Giannakakis allegedly removed evidence implicating his brother and made false statements to investigators.
The charges against Giannakakis could lead to sentences of up to eight years for making false statements and up to 20 years for other charges, including tampering with documents and objects, each carrying potential fines of $250,000.
