Greek former Deputy Interior Minister Leonidas Tzanis committed suicide over a list containing the names of 36 current and former deputies probed for corruption scandals and tax evasion, Greek media reported on Thursday.

The 57-year-old socialist politician who had served as deputy interior minister in 1999-2001 was found by his wife hanging himself at their house at the city of Volos in central Greece, according to media reports.

His name is said to have been included in a list of up to 36 politicians under corruption investigation by the Greek Financial and Economic Crime Unit (SDOE).

Following the revelation of the case ten days ago, which caused turmoil in Greece as the country struggles to counter a severe debt crisis, Parliament Speaker Evangelos Meimarakis, who was supposed to be amongst politicians probed, stepped aside.

Earlier on Thursday Meimarakis reassumed his duties, telling the press that he feels vindicated that no allegation against him has been supported by SDOE prosecutors.

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