Μake us preferred on Google Police in the greater Athens area on Wednesday announced a half dozen arrests on charges involving fraud, residential burglaries and catalytic-converter thefts, viewed as part of a wider criminal phenomenon now gripping the country, namely, criminals posing as power company employees, accountants or even police officers to trick victims into handing over cash and valuables.
Six suspects, aged 24 to 38, were arrested last Friday and eight others have been identified in connection with 78 cases across Attica prefecture (the greater Athens-Piraeus area) and other parts of Greece. The gang allegedly operated since January 2026 and is estimated to have obtained more than 350,000 euros through its illicit activities, police said.
The group allegedly operated with distinct roles assigned to members responsible for telephone calls, collecting stolen valuables and carrying out burglaries.
Investigators identified Ano Liosia, a gritty mostly working-class district in western Athens, as the location of the ring’s “call center”. Its members allegedly targeted victims across Attica and other parts of Greece, using different pretexts to gain their trust.
In one scheme, callers posing as electricity company employees claimed there was a dangerous electrical fault, excessive consumption or suspected electricity theft at a victim’s home. They warned of possible power cuts, fines or fire hazards and instructed victims to gather cash, jewelry and other valuables at designated locations inside their homes.
Accomplices posing as collectors would then arrive to retrieve the items. In some cases, another member allegedly impersonated a police officer afterward, seeking information about the stolen property and the circumstances of the theft.
In a second scheme, suspects posed as accountants or their assistants, claiming that victims faced tax penalties because they had failed to declare valuable possessions. They allegedly persuaded victims to hand over jewelry and money for supposed photographing, valuation and registration.
The organization also allegedly carried out systematic burglaries in Elefsina, Magoula, Mandra, Nikaia, Keratsini and Chaidari. Members reportedly selected homes after checking whether residents were absent, usually during midday or nighttime hours. They used vehicles acquired for their criminal activities, sometimes fitted with stolen license plates, and relied on accomplices to drive, monitor the surrounding area and warn of approaching residents or police.
Investigators said the suspects took measures to conceal their identities, disabled home alarm systems and used telephone connections registered to third parties. When confronted by residents, they allegedly resorted to threats to facilitate their escape.
A third part of the group’s activities involved stealing catalytic converters from parked vehicles, mainly older models, in the Megara area. Members allegedly covered their faces while accomplices monitored the area.
The group is also accused of robbing a man of 2,000 euros using violence.
Police also seized seven cars allegedly used in the criminal activities.
