The Greek Robin Hood Who Kidnapped Billionaires and Escaped Prison in a Helicopter
Summary
Harvey Guillén explores the legend of Vasilis Paliocostas, a Greek bank robber dubbed "Robin Hood" for his code of ethics and generosity. The episode details his high-profile heists, including the kidnapping of billionaires and two dramatic helicopter escapes from maximum-security prison. Despite decades of manhunts, Paliocostas remains at large, blurring the lines between criminal and folk hero in modern Greek history.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The legend of the Greek Kleps
Vasilis's first bank robbery and the lost puppy
Costas 'The Artist' and the criminal code
The rise of the Robin Hood legend in Greece
Failed prison break and Vasilis's arrest
Sponsors: NoCD, SoFi, and ADT
The biggest bank robbery in Greek history
Vasilis's impoverished childhood and political context
Kidnapping billionaire Alexander Haithaglou
Vasilis's capture, conviction, and prison life
Sponsors: Sally and Carvana
The first helicopter prison escape
Kidnapping Yorgos Milonas and final capture
The second helicopter escape and disappearance
Vasilis remains at large and his autobiography
Conclusion and final sponsors
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