Glyfada: Three arrests over international theft ring using "burst tyre" method
On Monday afternoon 12/10, police dismantled an international criminal network in Glyfada that stole from bank customers immediately after cash withdrawals.
Glyfada: Three arrests over "criminal tourism" ring targeting bank depositors
The Department of Crimes Against Property of the Greek Police has dismantled an international criminal network operating in Glyfada, specialising in the so-called "burst tyre" method, according to reports by Dikastiko.gr. The operation was carried out on the afternoon of Monday, 12 October.
During the operation, two foreign nationals were arrested on warrant, who are believed to be leading members of the organisation, as well as a third person. Cases were filed against all three for criminal organisation, aggravated theft, forgery, damage to foreign property, false statements and violations of foreign nationals legislation.
Modus operandi
According to the Greek Police, the alleged members belonged to a cross-border criminal group that moved temporarily between countries to commit thefts — a phenomenon known as "criminal tourism". The modus operandi was specific and organised in stages.
Initially, members of the organisation surveilled bank branches and identified customers who were making withdrawals of significant sums of money. Subsequently, they caused damage to the victim's vehicle tyre and followed it until forced to stop.
Once the victim immobilised the vehicle, one member of the group approached and offered to help, thereby diverting their attention. At the same time, another member approached the car from the opposite side and removed a bag containing cash from inside.
Forged documents and seized items
To avoid detection, members of the organisation used forged documents both for their movements and for hiring cars and short-term rental accommodation.
During searches at the apartment where they were temporarily residing, as well as during body searches, two forged travel documents, mobile phones, jewellery and bank cards were found and seized.
Criminal history
From investigations conducted so far, three cases of theft and two attempted thefts from vehicles have been solved, which were committed from early August to early September.
Following contact with foreign authorities, it was established that the two leading members have been arrested multiple times abroad for similar offences. One of them is already being prosecuted by Spanish authorities for property crimes.
The arrested individuals were brought before the competent public prosecutors. Investigations are continuing with the aim of determining the full extent of the criminal organisation's activities.
Source: Dikastiko.gr