In a coordinated nationwide operation, Greek law enforcement agents arrested 7 members of a dangerous criminal gang accused of committing serious crimes, including aggravated theft, illegal arms possession, violation of narcotics laws, and robbery.
According to the police sheet, the suspects, who operated in major Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, and Ioannina), managed to amass nearly €500,000 through their illicit activities.
Police say the suspects had been working together since March 2023. The gang would use stolen cars with forged license plates and attack ATMs using circular saws, crowbars, and devices to jam outgoing signals from the ATM to the central security system.
The gang members reportedly communicated with code words over tactical military walkie-talkies to prepare for their next targets.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects were laundering the proceeds of their criminal activity by establishing cafés and similar businesses. For their financial transactions, they used the identities of fictitious foreign nationals. At the same time, members of the organization were found to possess luxury vehicles and recreational boats.
During the searches carried out by authorities, among others, the following items were found and seized:
Mobile phones and SIM cards, a pistol with a magazine and ten bullets, an air rifle, a signal jammer, nine walkie-talkies, three oxygen cylinders with hoses and a blowtorch, processed cannabis, seven private vehicles, one boat, two outboard motors, and €73,750 in cash.
The arrested individuals, some of whom have previously faced charges for offenses including—depending on the case—participation in criminal organizations, robberies, thefts, and abductions, were brought before the competent prosecutorial authority. Investigations are ongoing in order to fully determine the extent of the criminal activities carried out by the members of the organization.
