Criminal organisation dismantled in Attica over arson, bombings and extortion – 4 arrested
Four members of a criminal organisation have been arrested in Attica for arson, bombings and extortion. The ringleader is a 49-year-old detainee.
Four arrests for criminal organisation engaged in arson, bombings and extortion in Attica
The Greek Police have dismantled a criminal organisation operating in Attica that carried out arsons, bombings, extortions, attempted murders and drug trafficking, according to ERT.
In the early hours of Wednesday 1 July, police officers from the Extortion Department of the Subdirectorate for Prosecution of Crimes against Life and Property conducted an operation at multiple locations in Attica. In the course of in flagrante proceedings, four foreign nationals aged 47, 25, 22 and 19 were arrested.
The case file formed also includes ten other individuals, nine of whom are already in detention facilities. The charges they face, depending on their involvement, include criminal organisation, arson, completed and attempted bombing, construction and possession of explosives, violence against officials and judicial persons, extortion in concert with others, as well as violations of laws concerning weapons, drugs and flares.
The investigation has already clarified one case of arson and attempted bombing against a prison officer, two vehicle arsons, one case of unlawful violence against a detainee, one case of gunfire and two bombings at commercial premises.
During searches of the homes and cells of those involved, the following were seized, among other items: a pistol, six improvised knives, three flares, three improvised incendiary-explosive devices, a geolocation device, 12 mobile phones, 855.5 grams of methamphetamine and the sum of €3,450.
According to the investigation findings, the organisation had a stable internal structure, hierarchical organisation and distinct division of roles. A leading and guiding role was held by a 49-year-old who was already in detention.
The organisation's activities developed mainly in central Athens and other areas, with the aim of eliminating competitors, intimidating those who opposed its interests, and maintaining its dominance in zones of criminal activity. According to ERT, the defendants have previously engaged the authorities over similar and other offences.
The four arrested individuals are being brought before the competent prosecutor.
Source: ERT