A criminal organization operating a marine fuel smuggling network targeting maritime and fishing activities in the Cyclades has been dismantled by the Internal Affairs Service of the Greek Security Forces, following a months-long investigation. A total of seven people were arrested — six civilians as members of the criminal organization and one customs officer. Two additional civilians are included in the case file on charges of forgery and abandonment, along with a second customs employee charged with bribery. At least 13 cases of fuel smuggling through illegal transfers and 15 cases of customs officer bribery have been confirmed so far. During the police operation, authorities caught an illegal fuel transfer between two vessels in progress — with 3,650 liters of marine fuel already transferred by the time of the inspection.
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How the smuggling ring operated
According to the investigation, at least since August 2025, the six civilians had formed and joined a criminal organization with the purpose of fuel smuggling and unlawful financial gain. Their method relied on the illegal transfer of duty-free fuel between vessels. Specifically, using flexible tubing and a specialized pump, members of the organization allegedly transferred quantities of diesel from vessels entitled to tax exemptions to other vessels that did not meet the corresponding requirements.
In doing so, they evaded payment of the applicable Special Consumption Tax and VAT, thereby generating illegal profit. The transfers took place at regular but unscheduled intervals, and organization members had, according to the Greek Police, distinct and complementary roles.
The 80-year-old at the center — who gave the orders
A central role in the companies managing four professional tourist vessels and one fishing boat was held, according to the investigation, by an 80-year-old man, with family members placed in key positions within the companies. A 50-year-old vessel captain allegedly took on a significant part of the operational coordination — issuing instructions to other members and determining both the timing and quantities of the illegal fuel transfers.
A 28-year-old vessel captain participated in carrying out the planned transfers under the 50-year-old’s instructions, while a 42-year-old crew member allegedly took part in both executing and coordinating the transfers.
A 53-year-old woman handled the administrative, secretarial, and financial management of the companies and was kept informed about vessel refueling operations, including the irregular ones. Meanwhile, a 63-year-old captain reportedly received instructions from the 50-year-old regarding the timing of the transfers and participated in their execution.
Between €10 and €30 paid to customs officers
A separate strand of the case involves the alleged bribery of customs officials. As established during the investigation, cash payments ranging from €10 to €30 were made to customs officers during legitimate vessel refueling procedures.
At least 15 cases of customs officer bribery have been confirmed to date. One customs officer is among the seven arrested, while a second customs employee is also named in the case file on bribery charges.
Caught in the act of illegal fuel transfer
The police operation took place on the morning of Tuesday, October 6, on a Cyclades island. A team from the Internal Affairs Service discovered that an illegal fuel transfer was actively underway between two of the vessels involved — both moored at a marina — with three members of the organization present.
In cooperation with a team from AADE’s Anti-Smuggling Division, an inspection of the two vessels was carried out. Authorities found a pump in operation, connected in a manner designed to transfer duty-free marine fuel from the tanks of one vessel to those of the other. During the AADE team’s measurement, it was confirmed that 3,650 liters of marine fuel had already been transferred by the time of the inspection.
Unauthorized modifications posing danger to passengers
Following the arrests, searches were conducted at residences and aboard the vessels, with the assistance of AADE teams and inspectors from the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Inspections of the vessels revealed, among other things, unauthorized structural modifications, discrepancies between the installed engines and the specifications recorded in official documents, as well as irregularities in the fuel tanks and fire safety systems.
In one case, according to the on-site assessment by competent Coast Guard inspectors, the irregularities were of such a nature as to pose an immediate risk to navigational safety and the lives of those on board.
€102,865 in cash, ancient artifacts, and weapons seized
Searches of the suspects and their properties yielded the seizure of €102,865 in cash, four clay vessels falling under antiquities legislation, a large number of cartridges, two collapsible metal batons, and a pair of brass knuckles.
Criminal charges were filed against those involved — according to individual circumstances — for criminal organization, forgery, abandonment, violations of the National Customs Code and the Public Maritime Law Code, bribery and acceptance of bribes by a public official, as well as violations of legislation governing weapons and antiquities.
The seven arrested individuals were brought before the competent prosecutorial authority.
