Copper theft worth €1 million in Paianía: One of 19 arrested released
One of 19 arrested for theft of 25 kilometres of copper cables from a construction site in Paianía has been released after lengthy questioning.
R.R. released after lengthy questioning — accused of aggravated theft and arson
One of 19 arrested for alleged participation in a gang that stole copper cables from a construction site in Paianía, Attica, has been released, according to reports by Newsit.gr. This is R.R., whom police considered one of the leading members of the group.
The 34th Examining Magistrate of the Misdemeanour Court of Athens decided, with the agreement of the prosecutor, not to remand the accused in custody. The decision was issued on Thursday, 22 October 2026, following lengthy questioning regarding the charges of aggravated theft — committed by an organised group with intent to carry out thefts — as well as arson. In a statement issued by the law office of Ioannis Glykas, who undertook the defence of the accused, it is stated that no aggravating evidence against their client emerged from the case file.
The gang, characterised as "multinational" by the authorities, allegedly broke into the construction site of a French company in the area during night hours, transporting the cables in stolen trucks. Subsequently, they burned the cables to remove the copper and sell it. The total length of stolen cables amounts to 25 kilometres, with a value exceeding €1,000,000.
To hinder their identification, gang members set fire to the stolen vehicle they used for transport. Authorities identified the perpetrators through examination of video footage, whilst telephone interception was also carried out. The 19 arrests were made following simultaneous operations in Attica and Boeotia.
The case file is based mainly on analysis of video footage, through which the alleged perpetrators were identified. The remaining arrested individuals were referred to the competent prosecuting authority, whilst the case is ongoing.
Source: Newsit.gr