Nearly one million euros in cash, a large number of POS terminals and bank cards, mobile phones, and digital evidence were discovered and seized at a real estate company branch in Rhodes, as part of a Coast Guard investigation that began with the detection of just 35 grams of suspected cocaine in Piraeus. According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the case has since grown significantly in scope, with serious indications now being investigated of drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The investigation began on the morning of August 27th, when officers from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit and the Security Office of the Piraeus Port Authority arrested a 62-year-old Greek national as a passenger ferry arrived from Rhodes. With the assistance of a drug-detection dog, coast guard officers spotted the 62-year-old entering the unaccompanied luggage area and picking up a suitcase. Upon inspection, a package was found containing a substance believed to be cocaine, with a gross weight of 35 grams, along with 0.9 grams of suspected cannabis.
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The investigation led to Rhodes
Following up on the evidence gathered, authorities identified a 45-year-old Albanian national who, according to the Hellenic Coast Guard, is believed to be the sender of the cocaine shipment. It was established that he was employed by a single-member private company that appeared to operate in the real estate sector. A joint operation in Rhodes was subsequently launched by the Directorate for Drug Enforcement and Smuggling of Coast Guard Headquarters, the Security Office of the Rhodes Port Authority, and with support from the K9 unit N049 “SEIRENA” of the Kos Port Authority. The search led investigators to the company’s branch office, and following notification of the Chief Prosecutor of the Rhodes Court of First Instance, a search was carried out in the presence of a public prosecutor.
€949,658, POS devices and bank cards discovered
At the premises, investigators found, according to the Coast Guard, a total of €949,658.38 in cash, with no supporting documentation to justify the possession or storage of the funds. Also seized were a large number of POS terminals, cards from various financial institutions, SIM cards and mobile devices, data storage media, and handwritten notes.
Based on the findings, their cross-referencing with the company’s official records, the 45-year-old employee’s connection to the drug shipment, and documents reportedly referencing a large number of individuals, serious indications emerged that are now being investigated for drug trafficking, money laundering, and criminal organization. The 45-year-old was located and arrested, with an additional €3,750 seized from his possession. All seized cash amounts were deposited with the Deposits and Loans Fund.
Both arrested individuals were brought before the competent prosecutorial authorities, while the preliminary investigation continues at the Rhodes Port Authority for violations of drug and money laundering legislation, as well as Article 187 of the Greek Penal Code concerning criminal organization.
