A multi-member ring that smuggled alcoholic beverages from Bulgaria and trafficked them for sale in wine cellars, mini markets, restaurants and entertainment centers, with profits of millions of euros, was dismantled by the Economic Police Directorate, in cooperation with the Northern Economic Police Sub-Directorate of Greece, under the coordination of the Operational Center of the Independent Public Revenue Authority.

According to ELAS, 21 members of the criminal organization were arrested, including the leader. It is noted that at least 9 more people, who have been identified, are included in the file filed.

As it emerged from the police investigation, the spiral, at least since March 2022, illegally imported alcoholic beverages of dubious origin from Bulgaria. The defendants used trucks, with which they legally transported other products to Greece. Alcoholic drinks were hidden in specially designed pallets so that they would not be noticed. For their temporary storage, they used a warehouse in the Evia region, while the illegal cargo was then transported to warehouses in Attica, where they placed fake Greek labels on the bottles.

Afterwards, the defendants channeled the amounts to wine cellars, mini markets, catering businesses as well as entertainment centers in areas of Attica, Thessaloniki and other parts of Greece.

From the searches carried out in storage areas, businesses and vehicles, in Attica and Thessaloniki, the following were identified and confiscated, according to ELAS: 19,588 bottles of alcoholic beverages, 50,000 labels of branded alcoholic beverages, 2 trucks and 5 vehicles, 7,144 euros, 30 mobiles and lots of tools and notes.

As regards the evaded duties and taxes from the confiscated amount of alcoholic beverages, they exceed the amount of 200,000 euros, while, as it emerged from the police investigation, the criminal organization trafficked more than 500,000 bottles, which correspond to an amount of several million euros in illegal profit.

The amount of money confiscated will be deposited in the Deposit and Loan Fund, the bottles will be handed over to the customs authorities, while a sample of the alcoholic beverages will be sent for examination to the State General Chemistry.

Those arrested were taken to the competent prosecuting authority.