Vehicle thefts in Attica: 8 arrested with proceeds exceeding €350,000
Greek police dismantled a vehicle theft ring in Attica with 8 arrests. The illegal proceeds are estimated at more than €350,000.
Dismantling of vehicle theft ring in Attica – 8 arrested and haul of €350,000
Eight members of a criminal organisation that stole cars and motorcycles in areas of Attica have been arrested by the Hellenic Police, according to reports by Dikastiko.gr. The financial benefit to the group is estimated by police at more than €350,000.
The arrested individuals are aged 18 to 60. Among them is the leadership member of the organisation.
The operation of 29 September
On the evening of 29 September, the Subdirectorate for Prosecution and Investigation of Crimes in Western Attica conducted a coordinated operation with the assistance of officers from the Special Forces Unit. Searches were carried out in the areas of Kamatero, Peristeri and Acharnes.
During the operation, six members of the organisation aged 18, 19, 23, 24, 45 and 55 were arrested. Two additional members, aged 22 and 60, were arrested on the basis of arrest warrants.
The investigation began after information regarding thefts of high-displacement motorcycles of high value reached the competent subdirectorate. The suspects were placed under discrete surveillance and their criminal activity was substantiated.
Method of operation and roles within the organisation
According to the preliminary investigation by police, the organisation had been established at least since the end of 2025. Its members operated mainly during night hours, selecting vehicles strategically in different areas of Attica.
The method they used for motorcycles was the so-called "kickstand" technique: they would damage or bypass anti-theft mechanisms and then transfer the vehicles with the help of "operational" motorcycles. The stolen vehicles were parked temporarily in public spaces to avoid detection.
Each member held a specific role. The leader provided financial support, coordinated the group's movements and gathered members before each operation. Orders were transmitted directly or through the 24-year-old, who held a senior position in the hierarchy and acted as an intermediary.
The leader, the 24-year-old, the 18-year-old and the 23-year-old undertook the removal of vehicles. Transfer of the stolen vehicles from temporary hiding locations was assigned to the 55-year-old, whilst their disposal on the market was reportedly handled by the 45-year-old through a shop he maintained.
Seizures and solved cases
During searches of the defendants' homes, 13 stolen and altered cars and motorcycles were seized, parts and registration plates, GPS devices and frequency jamming devices, as well as tools and mobile telephones. Additionally, an airsoft pistol, small quantities of cannabis and three "operational" vehicles were found.
In total, 23 vehicle thefts in Chaidari, Peristeri, Agioi Anargyroi, Ilion, Nikaia, Acharnes and Palaio Faliro were solved.
The arrested individuals have been taken to the competent prosecuting authority. Investigations into establishing the full extent of their activity are continuing, according to police.
Source: Dikastiko.gr