New details about the activities of a criminal network that allegedly defrauded citizens across Greece are coming to light. Authorities arrested 45 individuals who participated in an organized phone scam and theft ring targeting mainly elderly victims, while the case file includes another 96 suspects.
This represents one of the largest cases of its kind in recent years, with authorities reporting more than 1,100 cases of fraud and theft since 2023, and total proceeds exceeding 7.5 million euros.
Phone scam network: strict hierarchy and distinct roles within the gang
The criminal organization allegedly maintained strict hierarchy and distinct roles, while their scams were called “painting.” They operated throughout the country, from Aridaia to Chania, with their headquarters located in Zevgolatio, Corinthia, and operational centers in Agia Varvara, Ano Liosia, and Zefyri.
The defendants, led by the alleged leader, posed as accountants, car dealers, legal advisors, and even police officers to extract money and jewelry from unsuspecting citizens. In recorded conversations that came to light, they describe their methods of operation in detail. Associates, called “mules,” executed the leader’s orders using fake documents and fraudulent accounts.
According to the case file, in April 2025 alone, the gang allegedly extracted over 14,500 euros in a single day, defrauding citizens in Aridaia, Thessaloniki, and Chania. Since 2023, their scams are estimated at over 5,000 incidents with total profits exceeding 35 million euros. The case file includes more than 100 individuals.
Famous athlete among defendants in phone scam network
Among the defendants is a former rhythmic gymnast with an impressive competitive career, Olympic participation, and numerous medals. Her involvement emerged through recorded conversations of the gang.
The athlete had forged a brilliant career in her sport, winning medals at European and World Championships, with her crowning achievement being a medal on the balance beam at a European Championship. Notably, she was among the athletes who reported abuse and physical violence by coaches.
According to sources, the former athlete allegedly played a supporting role in laundering the network’s money, while her brother also participated as a “collector.” The case remains under full investigation as authorities continue probing the complete financial and organizational dimensions of the network.
The athlete allegedly had a supporting role within the organization, mainly toward her brother, who is also charged and was identified by a victim as responsible for stealing valuables. The defendants are also charged with money laundering, with proceeds from the gang’s activities invested in luxury real estate, expensive cars, and travel.
She denies any involvement, claiming she was unaware of her co-defendants’ illegal activities, and will provide explanations during the judicial process.
How the network operated
The organized network’s activities began in February 2023, and by April of the same year they had already established:
- Headquarters and call center in Zevgolatio, Corinthia.
- Operational centers in Ano Liosia, Zefyri, Menidi, and Agia Varvara.
The organization employed approximately 40 callers who spoke fluent Greek and had knowledge of electronic services and e-banking. Daily, they made calls from about 150 “operational” mobile phones, targeting unsuspecting victims.
Network members posed as public service employees (e.g., DEDDIE), accountants and tax consultants, and even police officers. Under pretenses of tax refunds, account settlements, or alleged security threats, they extracted: electronic banking codes to empty bank accounts, or cash and jewelry, either through home appointments or by asking victims to “throw them from the balcony” allegedly to trap scammers. This methodology allowed the network to defraud hundreds of elderly people throughout the country.
