The eight individuals arrested in connection with the armed robbery at a bank in Kato Tithorea spent the night at the Athens Police Headquarters (GADA). The group consists of six men and two women, ranging in age from 24 to 33, who according to authorities had planned the operation in detail, deliberately targeting a bank branch in an area with no immediate police presence.
The first five suspects were apprehended shortly after the robbery following a police operation, during which heavy weaponry was seized, raising serious concerns among security officials. According to available information, the suspects put up fierce resistance at the time of their arrest, threatening officers with their weapons before ultimately surrendering.
Among the items found in their possession were four hand grenades, pistols, submachine guns, and firearms with rounds already chambered.
Profile of the Suspects
Authorities are now building a full profile of the group, as they believe these are not opportunistic criminals but rather an organized network with experience in armed robberies. Most of those arrested have prior criminal records.
Investigators are also looking into possible involvement in a bank robbery in Katohi, Messolonghi, in 2025. Similarities in the method of operation, tactical planning, and composition of the group have led police to believe the same individuals may be responsible for both attacks.
How They Chose Their Target
Particularly noteworthy is how the group selected the Kato Tithorea branch. According to the investigation, the suspects had no prior connection to the area, which supports the theory that they conducted careful reconnaissance beforehand. Officers believe they chose this specific bank because of its distance from the nearest police station, calculating they would have more time to flee.
Police searches continued through the morning, with authorities looking for evidence of accomplices, hideouts, and possible links to other armed incidents.
Chrysochoidis: We Had Been Watching Them for a Long Time
The Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, appearing on the ERTnews program “Connections,” focused on the growing problem of illegal weapons possession and use, both in Greece and across Europe.
Commenting on the resolution of the armed robbery case, Chrysochoidis revealed the behind-the-scenes details of the investigation. He noted that Greece’s FBI equivalent had been monitoring this particular group, described as “highly capable,” for an extended period. He explained that the suspects had other robberies to their name, which made dismantling the network a top priority for public safety.
