Telephone fraud ring dismantled in Zephyri – proceeds of €175,000
Police operation in Zephyri, Attica dismantled an organisation that defrauded citizens by impersonating DEDDIE employees or accountants. Two arrests, total proceeds exceeding €175,000.
Dismantling of fraudsters impersonating DEDDIE employees in Zephyri
A criminal organisation operating in Attica was dismantled on Thursday afternoon, 3 September 2026, according to In.gr. Police officers from the Economic Crimes Prosecution Unit of the Organised Crime Countermeasures Directorate carried out a large-scale operation in Zephyri, resulting in two arrests.
The total financial gain of the organisation is estimated at over €175,000. In a single case — which took place in August 2026 in an area of northeastern Attica — the proceeds amounted to €150,000. In total, four cases have been identified using the same methodology.
Structure with "managers", "telephone operators" and "collectors"
The organisation operated at least from the beginning of August 2026 with a clear division of roles. The two arrested individuals were the "telephone operators": they identified potential victims through telephone directories, activated lines and devices, and contacted citizens by presenting themselves as DEDDIE employees or accountants.
Two other members, who are already detained in a correctional facility for a similar case, are accused of acting as "collectors". They went to victims' homes and removed money and valuables, claiming they were conducting an assessment and valuation.
The modus operandi: false needs and urgent pretexts
The "telephone operators" made a large number of calls daily. They persuaded their victims to gather cash and valuable items by invoking different scenarios: a need to file a tax declaration, securing their money or an alleged electrical leakage in the dwelling. Subsequently, the victims would place the money and jewels at locations inside or outside the house, where the "collectors" would collect or remove them.
Pipe to the sewers to eliminate mobile phone traces
To avoid detection, members of the organisation frequently changed the location of the "telephone centre" as well as the telephone lines they used. During a raid on a house in Zephyri, authorities found an installed pipe that led directly to the sewerage system, so they could discard mobile phones and hinder their discovery.
The evidence and seizures made during the investigation strengthen the case file that was compiled. The two arrested individuals were brought before the competent prosecutorial authorities.
Source: In.gr