Article
A Veteran Reporter Recounts the Dismantling of a Violent Criminal Network
I have covered organized crime for decades, but the case that unfolded on 12 09 2025 still stands out. Before sunrise that morning, Greek police launched a sweeping operation that stretched from Attica to Crete and even into a detention facility. Their target was a criminal organization tied to arson, theft, attempted murder, and a staggering catalogue of weapons and explosives violations.
By the end of the coordinated raids, officers had arrested 5 individuals and identified 3 more, including one inmate already serving time. Authorities say the group had been operating since at least 02 2025, moving with discipline and using military style tactics.
Police teams during the coordinated raids
Crimes That Shocked Investigators
Police linked the organization to several high risk attacks. One of the most brazen occurred on 02 23 2025 at a fuel station in Argyroupoli. According to investigators, 4 members arrived on 2 motorcycles. One suspect carried a Kalashnikov rifle while another entered the station holding a container of flammable liquid. After forcing an employee to move away, they doused the area and ignited it before escaping into the night.
Another incident followed on 05 16 2025 in Ano Liosia, when members ambushed a man traveling in an armored vehicle. Riding a motorcycle, the gunmen unleashed 2 separate bursts of fire from a military rifle. Thanks to the armored plating, the victim survived. Police later collected 47 shell casings at the scene and discovered the attackers had used surveillance equipment to track their target.
Months later, on 07 22 2025, the organization stole a vehicle and attached fake license plates, intending to use it in further crimes.
What Police Seized
Searches at multiple locations uncovered an arsenal and an array of criminal tools that painted a clear picture of the group’s capabilities.
Illegal firearms recovered during the investigation
5 Kalashnikov rifles
5 pistols
17 magazines
785 rounds of ammunition
2 bulletproof vests
Explosives and narcotics including 459.35 grams of cocaine and 6 grams of cannabis
31,870 euros in cash
18 mobile phones
3 vehicles and 4 motorcycles including 1 stolen vehicle
3 helmets
2 metal rods, 1 folding knife, 1 taser, 1 wooden baton, 2 brass knuckles
Operational clothing, a holster, and a utility pouch
2 precision scales
A surveillance device detector and a GPS tracker
Tablet, 2 USB drives, documents, bank papers, and handwritten notes
1 grinder
Most of the suspects were already familiar to law enforcement, having been linked to serious crimes in the past. All detainees were brought before prosecutorial authorities for further action.
