A criminal organization, whose members are involved in burglaries – thefts in jewelers, companies, shops and houses, has been dismantled by the Subdivision for the Response of Organized Crimes in Northern Greece.

The case was arrested by 11 people, of whom 5 are already incarcerated in the country’s detention facilities and a case file for- as a case-by-case- setting up a criminal organization- gang, co-conspiracy robbery and distinguished cases of theft, and attempts.

How did they act

In particular, as it emerged from the investigation, the defendants, at least since September 2023, had been united in a criminal organization and committed burglaries and thefts, with the aim of gaining illegal property benefits.

To achieve their purpose, they had developed a specific methodology (modus operandi), and they had also separated roles between them:

  • 8 of the defendants served as operational members, who, for their movements to and from points of interest, were united by “business” vehicles, owned by members of the organization,
  • To hide “business” vehicles they used as a “Kavatza”, closed underground parking lot in a Thessaloniki area, while placing themselves, which had previously removed other vehicles or fake copies,
  • A 31 -year -old, a member of the organization had rented the “Operational Vehicles” parking lot in her name, and also granted a vehicle ownership to facilitate the purposes of the organization,
  • 33 -year -old and 23 -year -old, tasked with finding virtual owners for these vehicles. They were transferred to people in the friendly and family environment of the organization, with the aim of concealing the elements of the real holders and to ensure the unhindered action of the gang.

Indeed, it was found that the defendants were linked – as a case -by -case – with family and friendly relationships.

As part of their action, the members of the organization, from 04-09-2023 to 09-11-2023, committed a total of -20-criminal offenses, namely: jewelry robbery, two jeweler burglaries, shop burglary, company burglary, -5-dwarfs, dwellings, Vehicle registration plates and attempted burglary of the Holy Temple.

The overall benefit gained by the criminal organization from its action exceeds -194,000 euros, and also caused a total value of -17,000 euros.

What was found in investigations

From the investigations carried out in houses and sites in the Thessaloniki area, the two “operational” vehicles used by the organization, as well as three other vehicles, which were used as a means of approaching and escaping to and from Kavatza, were found and confiscated, which were used.

The confiscated vehicles were sent for guard at the competent customs office.

The detainees, who have previously been concerned about similar and other offenses, were referred to an investigator, and -4 – were deemed temporary detainees.

The investigation is continuing to verify the full range of their criminal activity.