Dismantling of illegal gambling ring in Thessaloniki – 20 arrests, over €1 million in illicit profits
Criminal organisation operating for 13 years identified in internet cafés in Thessaloniki and Kavala. Twenty people arrested, 18 as members of the ring.
Illegal gambling ring with panic button and fixed games dismantled by police in Thessaloniki
Twenty people were arrested on Thursday, 15 October 2026 in Thessaloniki in a coordinated operation that led to the dismantling of a criminal organisation involved in illegal gambling, with activity dating back at least to 2013. According to In.gr, the ring's illicit profits are estimated at over €1,000,000.
The operation was carried out in the early hours by police officers from the Organised Crime Countermeasures Directorate of Northern Greece, with the assistance of the Criminological Research Directorate of Northern Greece, in various areas of Thessaloniki.
Hierarchically structured organisation with "front men"
The two ringleaders, aged 55 and 51, had established a structured and hierarchically organised group with distinct roles. The organisation operated establishments of public health concern — mainly internet cafés — in Thessaloniki and Kavala, where illegal gambling games were conducted through specialised software.
Some members appeared as nominal company owners, without being the actual managers. The use of "front men" was designed to conceal the true ownership, to distance the ringleaders from the illegal activity and to avoid tax obligations and employer contributions.
Panic button and "lookouts" to avoid detection
To prevent the illegal activity from being detected, the establishments implemented controlled access with individuals acting as "lookouts". An electronic emergency switch — a "panic button" — had also been installed that allowed members to immediately alter the displays on computer screens upon detecting police presence.
A dedicated space had been set up within the establishments for conducting the games, away from the view of supervisory authorities.
Fixed games with illegal software
The illegal software used by the ringleaders played a crucial role in the organisation's operation, allowing them to adjust payouts and choose which players would win themselves. The randomness mechanism of the games was essentially bypassed, resulting in players being deceived about their actual chances of winning.
The remaining members undertook, depending on their role, duties of supervision, money collection, credit allocation and management of electronic systems.
Money laundering through bank accounts
From a parallel financial investigation by the Economic Crimes Prosecution Department, it was established that two ringleaders had expenditures disproportionate to their declared income. Revenue from the illegal activity was channelled through specific bank accounts and gaming activity accounts, with the aim of presenting them as legitimate income.
The Financial Crime Prosecution Authority was informed of the case, which proceeded to seize bank and betting accounts belonging to the ringleaders.
Charges and statements
Of the 20 people arrested, 18 are alleged to be members of the organisation — including the ringleaders — whilst 2 were arrested as customer-players. The latter two were released following a verbal order from the Public Prosecutor's Office.
A case file was drawn up against the 18 defendants, as well as 14 additional individuals who were not arrested, for criminal organisation, felony fraud, violations of gaming legislation, money laundering from criminal activity and violations of personal data protection legislation.
The 18 defendants face felony charges. Their statements will take place in stages on Monday and Tuesday.
Source: In.gr