Gang impersonated electricity utility staff — 8 arrests, haul of €800,000
Eight members of a criminal organisation were arrested for at least 22 fraud-theft offences, with total proceeds exceeding €800,000.
Criminal organisation with 'call centre' in Upper Lióssia defrauded citizens by impersonating electricity utility employees
Eight members of a criminal organisation were arrested following an operation by the Organised Crime Confrontation Division (DAOE), after they had committed at least 22 thefts and frauds with total proceeds exceeding €800,000, according to Ethnos.
The police operation was carried out by officers from the Economic Crimes Investigation Subdivision with the assistance of specialist operational units, at a residence in Upper Lióssia. The 'call centre' from which the gang coordinated its activities was located there.
Structure of the organisation
During the operation, a 27-year-old was arrested who, according to Greek Police, was the 'director' of the organisation, oversaw the 'call centre' and coordinated operational activities. At the same time, a 40-year-old, a 27-year-old, a 28-year-old, a 31-year-old and a 48-year-old were arrested, who operated as telephone operators, undertaking the collection and activation of telephone connections and devices, as well as identifying potential victims. Two further members — a 31-year-old and a 27-year-old — held the role of telephone operator-collectors.
According to the Greek Police announcement, the organisation had been active at least since 1 September 2026.
Methods of operation
Members of the gang identified potential victims through printed telephone directories and telephone information websites, making a large number of calls daily. In these communications they falsely presented themselves as employees of the electricity utility (DEDDHEE), telecommunications companies, energy companies or accountants.
By invoking various pretexts — such as tax declarations, electricity leaks or network technical faults — they persuaded victims to gather money and valuables and leave them at accessible locations inside or outside their homes. Subsequently, other members of the organisation would go to these locations and collect the items.
To avoid detection, the accused changed the location of their 'call centre' at regular intervals, as well as the phone numbers and connections they used. At the operating premises they had installed security shutters to detect any police presence in good time.
Minor victims and seized items
Amongst the victims were minors. In one incident in Petroupoli, Attica, members of the organisation took valuables worth approximately €10,000 from a minor's home, which were later found at the gang's 'call centre'.
From the search at the organisation's 'headquarters', the following items were seized, amongst others: 20 necklaces, 42 bracelets, 97 pairs of earrings, 5 watches, 2 gold rings, 2 gold neck chains, 2 gold bracelets and 3 branded watches. Also found were 2 loose sheets from printed telephone directories with handwritten notes containing citizens' names, telephone numbers and addresses, 13 operational mobile phones and one passenger car.
Investigation ongoing
From the investigations, 22 cases of fraud and theft — completed and attempted — have been solved to date, which were committed in conjunction and in continuation. The total unlawful financial proceeds exceed €800,000, according to Greek Police.
The eight arrested individuals were taken before the prosecutor. The investigation is continuing with the aim of fully uncovering the criminal activities of the gang, according to Ethnos.
Source: Ethnos