Frame by frame: Gas station robbery gang exposed

Shocking footage has emerged from the activities of a criminal organization that robbed gas stations and mini markets across western, northern Athens and the city center. The 7-member organization is believed to have robbed 12 establishments, and in one case they didn’t hesitate to stab a store employee. The standout figure is the 46-year-old alleged leader with initials A.D., who approximately 15 years ago was convicted as an accomplice in the murder of young special guards Giannis Evangelinelis and Giorgos Skylogiannis. It was 2011, when after a frantic chase for similar crimes (robbery), the perpetrators set up an ambush in the Rentis area against the DIAS police unit that was pursuing them, opening fire with Kalashnikovs and other weapons. The result was the death of the 22 and 23-year-old DIAS officers, as well as serious injuries to two other police officers.

Read: Athens: Gang that committed robberies at gas stations and mini markets dismantled – Five arrests

In this recent case, the Hellenic Police, specifically officers from the Western Attica Crime Investigation and Detection Sub-Directorate, arrested 5 individuals last Tuesday (14/1), aged 31 to 58, while another Greek national has been identified and is being sought. It’s estimated that other individuals were involved in the organization but have not yet been identified.

parapolitika.gr has obtained video footage of the organization’s activities, particularly of the 46-year-old alleged leader and the 32-year-old who sometimes worked alongside him. As shown in the videos, they break into gas stations and with surgical precision immobilize employees and empty cash registers as well as their pockets. They appear ruthless and completely professional, wearing balaclavas, caps, and masks, never looking up to avoid recognition from security cameras, while carrying weapons – sometimes revolvers, sometimes knives. In one case, they conduct an extensive body search of the employee to ensure nothing of value escapes them. The alleged perpetrators and accomplices have been brought before the competent prosecutor who is expected to decide on their criminal treatment.