Dismantling of criminal organisation in Attica: 4 arrests for arson and extortion
The Organised Crime Confrontation Directorate dismantled an organisation that operated primarily in central Athens. Four members were arrested on Wednesday, 1 July.
Four arrests over criminal organisation involved in arson, explosions and extortion in Attica
The Organised Crime Confrontation Directorate dismantled a criminal organisation involved in arson, explosions, extortion, attempted homicide and drug trafficking, according to the Newspaper of Editors. As part of the operation, on the morning of Wednesday, 1 July, four members aged 19, 22, 25 and 47 years were arrested.
The arrests were carried out in various areas of Attica by police officers from the Extortionists Department of the Life and Property Crime Prosecution Subdivision. The case file includes a total of fourteen individuals, nine of whom are already in detention facilities. A leadership role in the organisation is attributed to a 49-year-old detainee.
The charges against the four arrested individuals include participation in a criminal organisation, arson, completed explosions and attempted explosions, manufacture and possession of explosive materials, violence against employees and judicial officers, extortion, as well as violations of legislation concerning weapons, narcotics and flares.
According to the Hellenic Police, the organisation operated with a stable internal structure and distinct roles, with the aim of eliminating competitors and maintaining control in areas of central Athens where it developed its activities.
To date, seven serious cases attributed to the group have been solved: arson and attempted explosion against a correctional officer in November 2025, two vehicle arsons in Pallene and Gerakas, an incident of unlawful violence against a detainee, shootings at a parked car in Athens, and two explosions at shops in the capital — in one of these the owner was seriously injured.
During searches of houses and detainee cells, a pistol with a magazine and 12 bullets, three improvised incendiary-explosive devices, six improvised knives, three flares, 855.5 grammes of methamphetamine, 12 mobile telephones, four SIM cards, a geolocation device and 3,450 euros were seized.
The Hellenic Police notes that the accused have in the past occupied the Authorities with similar offences. The arrested individuals were taken to the competent prosecuting authority.
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton