Recently, a major fire broke out on the Greek island of Hydra. It is reported that it was started by fireworks set off by tourists on a luxury yacht. It has emerged that chartering this vessel during the tourist season costs €299,000 (approximately 149 million tenge) per week.
According to ORDA, by the time the flames were extinguished, they had engulfed an area of roughly 1,200 hectares.
Meanwhile, island authorities have stated they will seek compensation for the forest arson. In Greece, arson and environmental damage carry prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines of up to €200,000.
However, it has been reported that the tourists are not required to face legal consequences, claiming that instead responsibility will fall on the yacht's crew. Incidentally, it was initially reported that the tourists who started the fire were citizens of Kazakhstan, but later Greek media stated that they were Pakistanis.
Journalists have established that the vessel chartered by the tourists is the luxury pleasure yacht "Persephone I".
"This is a delightful yacht, ideal for exploring the Greek seas and coastlines. Beautiful sculptures by European masters exquisitely adorn its interior. 'Persephone' kindly offers comfortable spots for sunbathing, dining, socialising, and relaxing. The yacht features a luxurious jacuzzi and a magnificent cinema, not to mention a gym," reads the description of "Persephone" on a yacht charter website.
Meanwhile, sources from the Telegram channel "Suitcase of State Secrets" report that among the tourists suspected of setting off the firework was Kazakhstani businessman Daniyar Abulgazin. He owns assets worth $380 million and was a partner of Kulibayev.