Fraud gang in Chalandri: Three arrested, haul over €80,000
Three men were arrested in Chalandri whilst attempting to steal jewellery worth €15,000, impersonating employees of DEDDIE.
Arrests in Chalandri: "DEDDIE employee" gang emptied homes
Three men were arrested in Chalandri at the moment when, according to authorities, they were attempting to remove jewellery with a total value of approximately €15,000 from a residence. As reported by Naftemporiki, the gang's activity is estimated to have begun at least from the beginning of August.
The ruse of the "employees"
The group's basic tool was impersonating DEDDIE employees. Through telephone directories, members of the gang communicated daily with randomly selected numbers and presented themselves as competent technicians. They claimed that a problem had been detected in the electrical supply or current leakage in the residence, creating a sense of immediate urgency for the targeted victims.
The "callers" persuaded victims to gather cash, jewellery and valuables at an accessible point in the home. Subsequently, other members — the so-called "collectors" — would appear at the door, also impersonating technicians, and would collect the items under the pretext of checking or assessing them.
Hierarchical structure with distinct roles
From the police investigation, it emerged that the organisation had a clear hierarchy. At the top were "executive officials", while beneath them operated separate groups of "callers" and "collectors". The vehicles used for the movements of the latter were provided by third parties — a man is already being sought who is alleged to have made his car available to the group.
In total, according to the investigation's findings to date, the gang had unlawfully obtained more than €80,000.
At least four additional cases
The three arrested individuals are not reported to be involved exclusively in the Chalandri case. During the preliminary investigation process, the authorities identified evidence of their involvement in at least four other similar cases, in which the same methodology was applied.
The three defendants were brought before the prosecutor. The police investigation remains ongoing: the authorities are examining possible links to additional cases and are attempting to identify any further members of the gang.
Source: Naftemporiki