The action of a criminal organization, the members of which committed burglaries at an ATM using explosives (Plofkraak method), during the years 2019-2020 in Attica and Fthiotida was investigated by the Property Crimes Department of the Sub-Directorate for the Prosecution of Crimes Against Life and Property of the Attica Security Directorate.

So far, 10 cases of ATM explosions have been solved. in Attiki and Fthiotida, in which the members of the organization are involved, including inside the discount village in Spata, where explosions took place in an ATM. four commercial banks, as well as one car theft.

The total benefit obtained by the organization from its illegal activity amounts to 516,090 euros.

Two foreigners were identified as members of the organization, against whom a case file was filed for the establishment of a criminal organization, distinguished thefts and attempted thefts by complicity and in continuation, explosions by complicity and other offenses related to explosives, damage to foreign property and forgery.

In particular, as emerged from the investigation, the defendants together with at least three more unknown accomplices, had set up and joined a criminal organization, with continuous and structured activity, which was active in Greece from December 2019 until March 2020 and each time with a different composition they carried out ATM burglaries. in Attica and Fthiotida.

They operated “surgically”

In terms of their mode of action, the members of the organization, possessing the necessary know-how and using solid explosiveswere making improvised explosive devices with detonating cord (wick) and detonators, which they introduced into ATMs. and causing explosions, then removing the cash boxes.

Furthermore, to make it difficult to identify and trace them, they made sure to cover their features while escaping in cars, which were stolen or had fake license plates.