It was determined by the Kastoria Security Sub-Directorate, after investigating a case of abduction of foreigners, that criminal group action which facilitated the illegal exit of foreigners from our country in European and other countries.

It was preceded by an extensive police operation, which involved officers from the Narcotics Enforcement Department and the Crime Prevention and Suppression Team of the Kastoria Security Sub-Directorate, as well as the Cross-Border Crime Squad of the Mesopotamia Border Guard Department.

In particular, on Thursday morning (28/9) they were spotted in the area of ​​Kastoria, near the Greek-Albanian border, 18 foreigners, of which it was found that 7 had organized among themselves in order to facilitate the illegal exit of the remaining 11 from Greek territory.

The members of the criminal group they were arrested and a case was filed against them for – as the case may be – criminal organization, violation of the legislation on foreigners, weapons, drugs, the Immigration Code, as well as for extortion and extortion.

In particular, according to ELAS, the preliminary investigation revealed that the traveling foreigners arrived in the border area of ​​Kastoria, starting from various parts of the territory either by buses and taxis and then on foot, accompanied by members of the group, or alone, using devices geo-tracking (gps), after indicating the point of destination by traffickers.

At the same time, the members of the criminal group provided the traffickers with food during their stay in the area until their departure.

However, in order to prevent any attempt by the traffickers to escape on their own as well as to demand additional sums of money from them or their relatives, the members of the criminal group they were threatened using battle rifle and other weaponry.

In total, as part of the operation, the following were found and seized:

  • battle rifle with folding bayonet,
  • magazine with 28 rounds of 7.62mm,
  • katana type sword with scabbard, knife and dagger,
  • drone system with remote control,
  • 6 mobile phones with 6 sim cards,
  • 415 euros and a nylon package of crystal methamphetamine with a total weight of 2.2 grams.

Those arrested were duly arraigned, while the investigation into the full scope of the criminal group’s activities continues.