Police in Athens have arrested three men accused of targeting drivers with a deceptive roadside scam, posing as motorists in distress before robbing those who stopped to help.
Officers from the DIAS motorcycle patrol unit apprehended the suspects—aged 32, 48, and 61—in the western suburb of Haidari on April 5, according to the Hellenic Police.
How the scheme worked
Authorities say the group staged fake vehicle breakdowns in busy areas, flagging down passing drivers under the pretense of needing assistance. When victims approached, the suspects threatened them—at times with a knife—and stole money and valuables.
In one reported incident, a driver who stopped to help was robbed of €50 after being threatened.
Evidence found in vehicle
Following victim complaints, police tracked down the suspects and searched their car. Officers recovered two sets of fake license plates, €1,200 in cash, four mobile phones, and a folding knife.
Investigators also found around 60 low-value rings, which the suspects allegedly used to deceive victims by presenting them as valuable jewelry in exchange for cash.
Long-running operation
Police have linked the group to at least two additional cases using the same method and believe the scheme had been in operation since at least 2023.
In some cases, victims were reportedly forced to withdraw larger sums of money from ATMs under threat.
Authorities have filed charges against the suspects, including robbery, fraud, forgery, and weapons violations. Police said the individuals had previously come to their attention for similar offenses.
The suspects have been referred to a public prosecutor.
