Three Greek police officers have been arrested on corruption charges after authorities uncovered an alleged bribery ring within a traffic police unit in Halkidiki, a popular region in northern Greece.

According to investigators, the officers—who served with the traffic police in the area of Nea Moudania—systematically accepted cash payments from drivers to avoid issuing traffic citations. Among those arrested is the head of the unit, who has since been removed from his post.

The arrests followed a months-long probe by the Hellenic Police’s Internal Affairs Division, which gathered evidence suggesting the officers ran an organized scheme that treated bribery as a routine operation. In addition to cash, the suspects allegedly demanded building materials such as bricks and cement as payment.

Authorities also say the officers offered a form of “subscription” service to certain drivers. In exchange for regular payments, motorists were allegedly tipped off about the locations of police checkpoints, advised on routes to avoid, and promised that any fines issued would later be erased.

Investigators concluded that all these actions were carried out in return for financial gain or other benefits.

The three officers were brought before a local prosecutor in Halkidiki and have been referred to an investigating magistrate, where they are expected to give statements as the judicial process continues.