The Property Crimes Prosecution department of the Attica Security Directorate dismantled a gang that committed thefts using the method of employment and fraud against the elderly in various areas of Attica and the province.

In particular, they were arrested yesterday morning 3 men, aged 41, 46 and 50 years and a case file was filed against them – on a case-by-case basis – for distinguished thefts by complicity and by continuation, frauds, acceptance and disposal of proceeds of crime and violation of arms legislation.

From the preliminary investigation it emerged that the gang’s activity dates back to at least September 2023, having as a base a house in the area of ​​Zefirio.

According to the Police, this is a criminal group with distinct roles among its members and specific mode of action.

In particular, in terms of their modus operandi, the accused chose elderly people as their target and presented themselves to them as insurers, accountants or emissaries of their relatives, etc. Sometimes they went directly to the homes of their victims and sometimes they drove them there, after they were artificially boarded in their company car. After securing access to the interior of the houses, they removed sums of money, valuables, jewelry and anything else that would bring them profit.

As for their duties, the 41-year-old as the leader of the gang usually took on the role of driver, as the vehicles they used were his. He made sure to park a sufficient distance from their target house so that his registration number would not be noticed.

The 46-year-old entered the houses pretending to be the insurer, the accountant or a person who maintained friendly relations with a relative of the victims.

In order to be even more convincing and extract valuables and sums of money, he carried out telephone conversations with his 41-year-old accomplice, pretending to communicate with the relative of the victim, on whose behalf he had been sent.

In fact, during their phone call, the 41-year-old was in the car, giving further directions and instructions to the 46-year-old. Afterwards, the 46-year-old employed the elderly victims and, using various tricks, eventually left their homes with the stolen items.

It is noted that the 41-year-old and the 50-year-old were captured when they tried to defraud an elderly man in the area of ​​Magoula, Attica, in order to take a sum of money from him.

After a search of the property and their homes, the following were found and confiscated:

  • hunting rifle
  • 42 cartridges
  • the amount of 3,130 euros
  • a lot of jewelry
  • number of mobile phones and SIM cards
  • car and
  • tablet.

From the preliminary investigation so far, an additional 4 thefts and 6 cases of fraud have been discovered in areas of Attica, in Kifisia, Chalandri, Perama, Artemisa, Cholargo and Megara, as well as in Aigio and ‘Argos, while the an investigation to ascertain the extent of their criminal activity is ongoing.

As noted by the police, the defendants are marked and have previously concerned the authorities for similar crimes.

The arrested were taken to the Criminal Prosecutor of Athens.