A major criminal network that stole and “legitimized” cars and motorcycles across various areas of Attica has been fully exposed and dismantled. The Organized Crime Unit arrested eight individuals following a coordinated operation in Aspróyrgos, Agia Varvara, Piraeus, Ano Liosia, Spata, Kallithea, Tavros, and Moschato. The investigation revealed that the group had been operating since at least March 2022 and was involved in 74 theft cases and 2 attempted thefts. Parapolitika.gr obtained video footage from surveillance of the alleged perpetrators as well as from the actual thefts they carried out.
Read: Video evidence from major police operation against theft of 33 vehicles in Athens
Stolen vehicle ring: Loot exceeds €1.5 million – How they operated
According to police, the organization members stole modern technology vehicles, temporarily hid them, and then either dismantled them or sold them on the market using fake documents and license plates. A 41-year-old man allegedly played a central role, organizing the entire process and reportedly establishing a front company to cover his activities. Other members maintained makeshift dismantling facilities, transported spare parts, and handled sales through online advertisements.
The criminal case filed against them includes charges of – depending on the case – criminal organization that committed aggravated theft by accomplices and in series, fraud causing damage exceeding €120,000, forgery that generated profits exceeding €120,000, money laundering from criminal activities, and violations of drug and weapons laws. The case also includes one additional person currently incarcerated in a detention facility, as well as another who remains at large.
During searches of homes, shops, and parking areas, authorities found 36 stolen cars, vehicle parts, hybrid batteries, car computers, fake documents and license plates. They also discovered 1.2 kilos of cocaine, 3.2 kilos of cannabis, €15,000, a portable signal jammer, weapons, and numerous mobile phones. The illegal profits of the organization are estimated to exceed €1.5 million.
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Police statement
According to the police announcement regarding the roles held by organization members:
“The 41-year-old had a central role in the organization’s operation, as he exploited his experience in the automotive sector to develop the necessary infrastructure and corresponding support network for stealing, forging documents, and subsequently selling cars and motorcycles. For this purpose, he created fake documents for vehicle registration and had established a ‘ghost’ company with a 48-year-old organization member as a front, to hide his connection to the business.
The 40-year-old operated a makeshift vehicle dismantling facility and was involved in hiding and dismantling stolen vehicles and their subsequent disposal within a short timeframe.
The 39-year-old also operated a makeshift car dismantling facility where he dismantled and forged stolen vehicles, with a characteristic feature of his operation being the ease with which he changed locations of the dismantling facilities he managed.
The 38-year-old served as a transporter of stolen spare parts using a van, from dismantling facilities to final recipients, while acting as a link to the market, helping convert stolen parts into profits and launder proceeds.
The remaining 4 members stole vehicles upon orders, then hid them on residential streets, and after some time had passed, placed fake license plates on them and delivered them to the 41-year-old and the dismantling facilities. They also handled vehicle sales through online advertisements.”
The findings by authorities are equally impressive:
- equipment used for vehicle theft,
- 13 hybrid batteries from stolen vehicles,
- 3 car computers,
- numerous car parts (dashboards, fuel tanks, doors, hoods, fenders),
- portable signal jammer, recording device and solid-state laser device,
- numerous documents related to vehicle registrations,
- numerous keys and vehicle circulation permits,
- GPS tracking device,
- cryptocurrency wallet,
- €15,000,
- 1,200 grams of cocaine,
- 3,200 grams of cannabis,
- 3 bank cards, casino membership card,
- bulletproof vest,
- 3 folding knives,
- 2 metal knuckledusters,
- knife with total length of 28 cm and blade length of 15 cm,
- 2 watches and
- numerous mobile phones.
Additionally, 25 cars were found and seized, which will be examined to determine the legitimacy of their origin.
