A major police operation this week netted six Turkish nationals allegedly involved with a transnational drug and gun smuggling ring, with the purported ringleader of the roughly 40-member gang in Greece, and his spouse, coming under the “radar” of the local intelligence service last December.
The alleged gang leader and his wife resided in a rural villa in the coastal resort of Oropos, due north of Athens, and were recorded living a luxury lifestyle, complete with trips to Spain, the possession of high-end and armored sedans as well as extravagant shopping. Without any evident professional activity and no electronic “paper trail”, authorities consider that wholesale drug smuggling funded their lifestyle.
According to reports, Greek authorities were also supplied information by their Spanish counterparts on the couple’s contacts with criminal elements while in Spain.
The alleged ringleader, 29, was identified by his nickname, “Reis”, and is billed as the head of one of the largest criminal gangs in Turkey. He is reportedly wanted in the neighboring country on seven warrants, including one for homicide.
The man and his wife arrived in Greece and requested political asylum, as did the other five suspects arrested.
Overall, Greek authorities, both police and the intelligence service, estimate that no less than 20 Turkish criminal gangs are now active in Greece, where they often “settle scores” in the most violent manner: gangland-style assassinations.
A search of several residences on Wednesday.
