Arrest of gang leader for ATM explosions and thefts — damages exceeding €440,000
A leading member of a criminal organisation that carried out ATM explosions and vehicle thefts across Greece has been arrested. The gang has been operating since February 2025.
Arrest of gang leader for ATM explosions in provincial areas — illegal proceeds exceeding €440,000
Police officers from the Organised Crime Combating Division have arrested a leading member of a criminal organisation that carried out explosions at ATMs using explosives and vehicle thefts in various regions of the country, according to reports by Naftemporiki.
According to the Hellenic Police, an extensive police investigation revealed that the organisation was active at least since February 2025, targeting ATMs in provincial areas. The evidence gathered was presented to the competent prosecuting authority, which issued an arrest warrant against the gang leader.
The arrested man faces charges including criminal organisation membership, attempted homicide, aggravated theft and attempted theft in complicity, explosions in complicity, violations of explosive materials legislation, forgery, disobedience, dangerous driving, damage to others' property and violation of weapons legislation. Similar offences have been attributed to him in the past.
His role in the organisation was characterised as "vital": he possessed experience and expertise that he passed on to the other members. Concurrent with his arrest, operational units of the Organised Crime Combating Division conducted targeted searches at a residence and other premises used by the accused.
To date, nine cases of ATM explosions have been solved — of which two were attempted — three vehicle thefts, two thefts of registration plates, theft of fire extinguishers and theft of a motorway toll transceiver. The total illegal financial gain is estimated to exceed €440,000.
In July 2025, following an explosion at an ATM in Argolida, members of the organisation fired at police officers from the OPKE during their attempt to escape. The arrested man was taken before the competent prosecutor and referred for preliminary investigation.
The Hellenic Police investigation continues in order to determine the full extent of the organisation's activities and to locate the other individuals involved.
Source: Naftemporiki