EL.AS announced the investigation of an organized ring, whose members were “breaking into” apartments using security keys, which they copied in a special laboratory, after previous ones had monitored the movements of their tenants, videotaping the types of keys they used.

A total of five men were arrested, marked for similar acts, originating from Armenia and Georgia, while their loot includes cash amounting to 171,850 euros, as well as jewelry. The same ring is allegedly involved in a robbery.

According to an announcement by the Police, their alleged activity began in December 2021 and is located in the urban complex of Thessaloniki. They managed to extract the sum of 160,000 euros from a single apartment. It is characteristic that the members of the criminal group chose “targets” usually near public markets, taking advantage of the morning absence of the occupants. In addition, they left no traces of trespassing and took counter-surveillance measures (such as surveillance of targets, changing clothes before and after committing acts, and driving dangerously while escaping).

The key duplicating ‘lab’

In addition, in a rented warehouse in Polichni, they maintained – as stated in the same announcement – a “laboratory” for copying security keys, applying methodology practices for unlocking doors without traces of tampering as well as hiding stolen goods. They also videotaped the potential victims on their cell phones when they entered their homes, mainly capturing the type of key and the location of the home.

gang

The five people involved were arrested during a police operation, which took place yesterday morning in various areas of Thessaloniki. The sum of 14,455 euros and 100 US dollars, a number of watches, jewelry, mobile phones and electronic devices, a safe, two portable transceivers, a number of burglary tools, weapons with cartridges, wigs were found and confiscated in their homes and in the “laboratory”.

Also seized was a professional security key cutting-duplicating machine, a drill, a professional security door hacking device, two electric sanders with numerous accessories, a number of keys of various types, a professional security door hacking device and a number of “uncut” keys intended for duplicating . In addition, a total of five vehicles were seized that were used to travel to the places where the illegal acts were committed, to escape and to transport the stolen goods.

Felony prosecution

The five arrested (ages 44, 45, 27, 37 and 28 years old) were prosecuted – among others – for criminal organization, money laundering, interference with EL.AS relays, illegal possession of weapons, while they were referred to apologize to an investigator.

Citizens – victims of theft by the alleged criminal organization can contact the Property Crimes Department at 2310388328 during the hours of 10:00 – 13:00 to identify the stolen items.