Μake us preferred on Google Greek police have dismantled a criminal organization suspected of carrying out a series of burglaries at homes across the Attica region, with investigators linking the group to 23 burglaries, thefts and attempted thefts and estimating its illegal proceeds at more than €179,000.
Police released video footage showing the group’s activity. The organization is believed to have operated in several parts of Attica, including Athens, Kallithea, Neo Faliro and Spata.
Three foreign nationals were arrested during a police operation in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026. Authorities have also identified five other people involved in the organization. Two are already in prison, while three are believed to be abroad.
A case file was opened against the suspects, depending on their involvement, for participation in a criminal organization, aggravated thefts committed repeatedly and jointly, with total financial benefit exceeding €120,000. The case also includes charges related to drug legislation and money laundering.
Organization operated since 2025
According to the police investigation, which lasted several months and drew on information and other evidence, the group had been organized since at least July 2025 with the aim of systematically burglarizing homes for financial gain.
Investigators said the organization had a defined structure, separate roles and a division of responsibilities. It also had an organized support network and maintained contacts outside Greece.
How the group allegedly operated
According to police, members began looking for potential targets at night by checking apartment buildings in different parts of Attica.
They used vehicles registered in other people’s names or rental vehicles for transportation. They would typically begin from the home of the leader and then split into two groups, allowing them to carry out more than one burglary on the same day.
After identifying apartment buildings and homes they considered suitable targets, the suspects tried to determine whether residents were away. In some cases, they reportedly placed marks on doors to check whether the homes remained unoccupied.
They then entered apartments, mainly at night. Depending on the circumstances, they used keys or tampered with locks, while in other cases they gained access through light wells or balcony doors.
One member would remain outside the building as a lookout and alert the others if residents or other people approached.
Police said the group appeared to increase its activity during vacation periods and holidays, when residents were more likely to be away from home.
Once inside, the suspects searched the properties and stole cash, jewelry and other valuables.
Investigators also identified what they described as an information network used to find potential targets. One case under examination involves a 48-year-old foreign national who worked as a domestic helper and is said to have provided information about specific homes and when their residents were away.
The group used personal phone connections as well as mobile phones and SIM cards obtained for its activities. Some of the phone connections were registered in other people’s names.
Police said some members had particular knowledge of different types of keys and locks, allowing them in several cases to enter apartments without leaving obvious signs of forced entry.
The proceeds were divided among the members. Some of the money was used for daily expenses and legal costs if a member was arrested, while other amounts were transferred abroad.
Roles within the organization
A 37-year-old foreign national is said to have served as the group’s leader and coordinator. According to police, he selected areas and targets, coordinated other members and was kept informed about their activities. He also maintained contacts with people operating abroad.
A 43-year-old foreign national had a coordinating and operational role. He participated in surveillance of potential targets and burglaries and took over coordination when the leader was absent. Vehicles in his possession were also used by the group.
A 22-year-old foreign national participated in the group’s operations and, in some cases, acted as a lookout outside apartment buildings, alerting other members when residents or other people were present.
Other operational members, aged 36, 40 and 31, as well as another 31-year-old, had lower-level operational roles. They participated in monitoring areas and homes, identifying targets, preparing burglaries and, depending on the circumstances, carrying out thefts or monitoring the area.
Investigators said additional people were also brought into the group and used as peripheral members during specific burglaries and thefts.
The 48-year-old domestic helper under investigation acted as an informant because her work gave her access to information about particular homes and periods when residents were away.
€76,000 transferred abroad
Authorities also examined the suspects’ financial activity.
According to the investigation, the suspects did not have stable employment or a regular source of income. Police said money generated through the criminal activity was used to cover their living expenses.
In addition, about €76,000 was transferred to accounts abroad through money-transfer companies.
23 cases under investigation
Police have so far solved 23 cases involving burglaries, thefts and attempted thefts.
The cases concern areas including Agia Paraskevi, Palaio Faliro, Chalandri, Nea Ionia, Galatsi, Athens, Kallithea, Zografou, Petralona and Pangrati.
Authorities estimate that the organization’s total illegal financial benefit exceeded €179,000.
Items seized in searches
During searches of homes and property linked to the suspects, police seized numerous items, including:
- Jewelry, gold items and other valuables
- Watches from various brands
- Designer bags and sunglasses
- Mobile phones and SIM cards
- Costume jewelry
- Perfumes
- Cameras and video cameras
- Camera lenses
- Laptops, tablets and other electronic devices
- Sets of silver-colored and silver-plated cutlery
- Six silver and gold-colored religious icons
- Two video game consoles and 14 electronic games
- A case containing 40 writing pens
- €1,300 found in a piggy bank
- Tools used for burglaries
- Various types of keys
- Cards and documents connected to money-transfer services
- Gambling tickets
- Other items whose origin is still being investigated
Police also seized a vehicle that investigators said had been used to facilitate the criminal activity.
The three arrested suspects had previously come to the attention of authorities for similar offenses, according to police. They had been placed under restrictive conditions and had also served prison sentences.
The suspects were taken before the competent prosecutorial authorities following their arrests.
The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to establish the full extent of the organization’s activities and determine whether its members were involved in other offenses that have not yet been solved.
