Eight people arrested during a major police operation in Crete are due to appear before prosecutors on Tuesday, accused of participating in an organized criminal group involved in livestock theft, extortion, electricity theft, and fraud involving European Union agricultural subsidies.

According to the Hellenic Police, the arrests followed a large-scale operation in southern Heraklion, including the mountainous Asterousia region and the area of Agioi near Arkalochori. Authorities described the case as the fifth criminal group brought before the courts as part of an ongoing crackdown on organized crime in Crete’s mountainous areas.

Police said four members of the same family formed the leadership of the organization, while four additional suspects were also arrested during the operation.

Livestock Theft Ring

Authorities said the investigation, conducted by the Crete Organized Crime Unit after months of surveillance, found that four core members of the group had organized repeated, professional livestock thefts for financial gain.

Investigators state that the suspects selected target farms after gathering information about livestock enclosures, security measures, and owners’ routines. They then monitored the locations, removed the animals on foot or by vehicle, temporarily concealed them, and ultimately slaughtered the stolen sheep and goats before selling the meat.

Police have linked the group to four livestock thefts and one attempted theft committed between February and June 2026 across Crete. The suspects stole at least 182 sheep and goats, along with a milking machine, with an estimated total value of €43,000.

Authorities identified a 47-year-old man as the group’s principal organizer, saying he coordinated the planning, assigned roles, selected targets, and managed the disposal of the stolen livestock. A 69-year-old suspect is accused of assisting the group during various stages of its activities.

Extortion and Land Disputes

Police also state that the 47-year-old and a 19-year-old accomplice spent at least the past decade intimidating residents in their area through violence, threats, and other criminal acts.

According to investigators, they illegally occupied or appropriated farmland, using it for uncontrolled grazing or cultivation without compensating the owners. Police said the resulting damage to crops exceeded €120,000.

Authorities allege the scheme expanded the suspects’ farming operations, increased their livestock numbers, reduced feed costs, and enabled them to obtain larger government subsidies while gradually involving younger family members in the illegal activities.

The local forestry service is continuing to investigate complaints related to agricultural damage.

Fraudulent EU Subsidy Claims

Police also accuse the 47-year-old, the 34-year-old suspect, the remaining non-core suspects, and a 40-year-old woman of subsidy fraud.

Financial investigations and cross-checks of official records found that false agricultural declarations were submitted between 2019 and 2025 regarding grazing land, livestock holdings, and farm viability.

Authorities estimate the suspects improperly received a total of €341,250.88 in European Union financial assistance.

In one case, investigators said a suspect declared ownership of 460 sheep and goats in 2025, although inspectors found no livestock. Inspections at five other farms reportedly uncovered discrepancies between declared and actual livestock numbers, missing mandatory animal identification tags, and the absence of required farm signage.

Weapons, Animal Welfare Violations, and Additional Charges

Searches of homes led to the seizure of a shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol, 41 rounds of ammunition, two knives, and 21 livestock ear tags bearing identification codes belonging to different farmers. Authorities also carried out two previously ordered electricity disconnections for illegal power connections.

Police documented three violations of animal welfare regulations, including the passive mistreatment of 12 dogs, resulting in administrative fines.

One suspect, aged 34, also faces an additional charge of resisting arrest after attacking officers during his detention.

A forestry officer has also been charged with breach of duty after investigators state that he warned members of the group that victims intended to file criminal complaints against them.

Police noted that several of the suspects have previously faced investigations for livestock theft and related offenses, while one has also been accused in the past of attempted homicide and property damage.

The suspects have been referred to the competent prosecutorial authorities, while the seized evidence is being sent for forensic examination.