The gang that stole busts from monuments was dismantled

Handcuffs to the members of the gang that had become a headache for the mayors of Northeast Attica, causing their strong reaction, as they stole the bronze busts from monuments in squares.

In the last three months, a total of eight busts had been stolen, five of which were from her Nea Ionia(among them and Stelios Kazantzidiswhich had caught the attention of the media), which they sold for four euros per kilo, to metal recycling (scrap) yards in Acharnesto make a living.

From Northeast Attica Security Sub-Directoratea case file was filed against four people, three nationals aged 36, 32 and 53 and a 35-year-old foreigner, for -as the case may be- the offenses of the criminal organization – gang, distinguished theft by continuation and by profession, by two or more that had been organized for the purpose of committing theft, removing things of artistic and historical importance that are exposed in a public place, accepting and disposing of proceeds of crime and violating the Arms Act.

The day before yesterday, 7-7-2022, the 36-year-old man and the 35-year-old woman were arrested in the area of ​​Artemis and in the area of ​​Acharna the 53-year-old, who is the owner of the “scrap shop” and was buying the busts from the other three. The 32-year-old is wanted.

The gang was revealed when in the early morning hours of 7-7-2022 the 36-year-old and 35-year-old woman, riding in a car, approached a square in the Artemis area and removed the bust of Eleftherios Venizelos, detaching it entirely from its base.

But there they were seen by a resident of the area, who notified the Police and after searches, they were located in the area of ​​Artemis, immobilized and arrested.

From the investigation that followed, it was established that a few hours after the theft, they went to a “junk shop”, in the area of ​​Acharna, where they sold the bust.

The “thrift shop” has been located and its 53-year-old owner was arrested, who accepted the purchase of the bust for 150 euros, which he then melted down.

According to the data obtained from the preliminary investigation, the 32-year-old, the 36-year-old and the 35-year-old woman, riding in an ICHE car, approached parks and squares in the region of Northeast Attica in the early hours of the morning, in which they had already located monuments with busts, loaded them in the car and immediately went to the “junk shop” in Acharnes, which was open at that time and sold them directly.

After a search of the home of the 36-year-old and 35-year-old woman, a hunting rifle and 3 cartridges were found and confiscated, while the car they were using was also confiscated.

From the investigation of the Northeast Attica Security Sub-Directorate, it was established that the defendants participated in the following criminal acts:

1. On 7-6-2022, they removed the bust of MALEVITSI that was located opposite the Philothei High School.
2. On 6-14-2022, the bust of HERO DILBOH was removed from Dilboi square in Nea Erythrea
3. On 7-7-2022, the bust of Eleftherios Venizelos was removed from Eleftherios Square in Artemisa
4. In an earlier time from 17-4-2022 in Philinda Square in Nea Ionia they removed the bust of Philinda
5. On 4-18-2022 in Nea Ionia they removed the bust of SINOPOULOS
6. In an earlier time from 12-5-2022 in Nea Ionia they removed the bust of KAZANTZIDES
7. In an earlier time from 4-26-2022 in Nea Ionia they removed the bust of SOURI
8. In an earlier time from 12-5-2022 in Nea Ionia they removed the bust of ELETHERIOS VENIZELOS

The arrested persons, with the case filed against them, were taken to the Athens District Attorney, who referred them for main interrogation.

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