Millionaire 'surprised' at allegations over Greek fire

Daniyar Abulgazin, one of Kazakhstan's wealthiest individuals, has found himself at the center of controversy after a party on his superyacht is suspected of causing a significant forest fire in Greece. The fire, which scorched 300 acres on the island of Hydra, south of Athens, occurred during Greece's first heatwave of 2024. Firefighters have been tirelessly battling multiple wildfires across the country. Initially, authorities believed that fireworks were launched directly from the yacht, but recent reports suggest they may have been set off from a beach on the island after people from the yacht took a boat to shore. Mr. Abulgazin, along with seven other Kazakh nationals, is now facing charges of complicity to arson by Greek authorities.

In a statement, Mr. Abulgazin explained that he had rented the yacht Persephoni for a week and returned home the following day, as originally planned. He mentioned that he had spoken with Greek authorities, who did not make any accusations against him or his guests at the time. He expressed his surprise upon learning about the allegations later. Mr. Abulgazin emphasized that he was deeply saddened by the fire but maintained that neither he nor his guests did anything that could have caused it. He assured that they strictly adhered to the fire safety rules established on the yacht and did not instruct the crew or any third parties to take actions that could lead to a fire. He also pledged full cooperation with the Greek authorities in their investigation.

The incident has sparked outrage in Greece, particularly because the yacht's passengers left the country shortly after the fire on June 21. The yacht's captain and first mate are still being detained, while 15 other crew members who were initially arrested have been released on bail with restrictions. Mr. Abulgazin, a prominent figure in the Kazakh petroleum industry with an estimated personal fortune of $400 million, is unlikely to face questioning in Greece due to the lack of an extradition agreement between Kazakhstan and Greece. The Greek authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and determine who is responsible. The case has fueled anger and frustration in Greece, especially as the country grapples with numerous wildfires during the heatwave.

Mr. Abulgazin reiterated that he and his guests followed all fire safety protocols on the yacht and did not request the crew or anyone else to engage in activities that could start a fire. He expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the Greek authorities to uncover the truth behind the incident. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the events leading up to the fire and hold accountable those responsible for the devastation caused on the island of Hydra.