Greece Dismantles 262 Criminal Organisations in Two Years

by · Greek City Times

Greece’s Organised Crime Division has dismantled 262 criminal organisations, arrested 3,337 suspects and investigated 1,514 cases since its establishment in October 2024.

The figures emerged at an event marking the division’s second anniversary, held at the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) on Wednesday, in the presence of President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Hellenic Police’s Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE) has also attributed charges to 5,761 people during its first two years of operation, according to its commander, Major General Fotis Ntouitsis.

Addressing the event, Mitsotakis said the division was established to “identify, infiltrate and ultimately dismantle the syndicates of lawlessness” – criminal organisations involved in serious offences that consider themselves above the law.

Read more: Greek Police Investigate 1,361 Organised Crime Cases

He highlighted the significant results achieved in a relatively short period, crediting the division’s operational capabilities, professionalism and dedication. He also stressed its direct impact on citizens’ everyday lives, particularly through its focus on the major perpetrators of illegal activity and abuse of power.

More than €650 million in criminal damage

Presenting the division’s record since it began operating on 21 October 2024, Ntouitsis said organised criminal groups had caused more than €650 million in estimated losses to the Greek state, the European Union, businesses and individuals.

Authorities have frozen more than €19 million in funds, while the value of seized assets exceeds €200 million.

Investigators have also seized:

  • More than €14.2 million in cash, valuables and gold.
  • Approximately 44.5 million illicit cigarettes and more than 45.7 tonnes of illegal tobacco.
  • More than six tonnes of cocaine.
  • Over six tonnes of raw and processed cannabis, alongside large quantities of other narcotics.
  • 908 firearms and more than 68,200 rounds of ammunition.
  • More than 183,000 counterfeit products.
  • Thousands of cultural artefacts, jewellery items and electronic equipment.

Ntouitsis highlighted several major investigations, including the dismantling of an international cocaine trafficking network that transported drugs from Latin America to Europe. The operation resulted in the seizure of 4.7 tonnes of cocaine.

The division also dismantled illegal tobacco production and distribution networks, seizing more than 14 million cigarettes and 20 tonnes of processed tobacco.

Other investigations targeted criminal networks that interfered with petrol station operating systems, causing estimated losses of more than €25 million to consumers.

Authorities also dismantled an illegal internet-based subscription television network, which allegedly caused legitimate providers losses exceeding €50 million.

59 arrested in major tax evasion investigation

Ntouitsis also highlighted the recent Choriatiko investigation, which uncovered a network of 430 corporate entities allegedly established to evade tax and social security obligations and launder criminal proceeds.

Authorities arrested 59 people in connection with the case, while the estimated damage to the state exceeds €100 million.

AI and cryptocurrency investigations among future priorities

Looking ahead, Ntouitsis said the division would strengthen its operational and financial intelligence capabilities and make greater use of advanced technology and specialised investigative techniques.

He identified artificial intelligence as an important tool for detecting illegal activity on the dark web and investigating financial transactions linked to cryptocurrencies.

The division will also strengthen its follow the money approach, focusing on identifying and seizing criminal proceeds, while investing in specialist personnel, training and international cooperation.

Hellenic Police Chief Lieutenant General Dimitrios Mallios said the results represented more than statistics, describing them as evidence of a new and modern strategy against organised crime.

He stressed that authorities cannot tackle modern organised crime through isolated operations but require persistent, systematic investigations and close cooperation between police, judicial authorities, financial and customs services and other state agencies.

Mallios also highlighted international police cooperation through Europol and Interpol as essential to tackling criminal networks that operate across national borders.Minister stresses social impact of organised crime investigations

Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis described the division’s establishment as a necessity, saying Greece needed a strong, modern and specialised mechanism to combat organised crime.

He thanked the division’s officers for their work and acknowledged the support their families provide, noting that investigations often involve lengthy periods of evidence assessment, research and coordination away from public attention.

Chrysochoidis said the division’s work directly protects professionals from extortion, citizens from fraud, vulnerable people from exploitation and legitimate businesses from unfair competition.

“These are the people we serve. Protecting them gives meaning to every success we achieve,” he said.

He stressed that the division’s effectiveness depends on professionalism, integrity, cooperation with the judiciary and other public authorities, and absolute respect for the law.

He also called for sustained political commitment and ongoing support to ensure the division has sufficient personnel, training and resources.

Looking ahead, Chrysochoidis identified weakening the financial power of criminal organisations as a central priority.

“We must follow the trail of illegal money,” he said, arguing that financial investigations, modern technology and strong international cooperation would limit criminal networks’ ability to rebuild their operations.

He added that, despite the progress achieved, authorities must continue their efforts so that every citizen knows the state stands beside them against violence, extortion and exploitation.

The event concluded with President Tasoulas and Prime Minister Mitsotakis presenting awards to officers from the division’s sub-directorates in recognition of their significant operations against criminal organisations.

Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, government ministers and deputy ministers, MPs, heads of independent authorities, senior judicial officials, senior officers from the Hellenic Police, the Armed Forces and security services, academics and local government representatives also attended.

(Source: AMNA)

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