Vangelis Batarlis, a police officer born and raised in Alexandroupoli, was for years a figure who combined the image of a decisive professional with the profile of “your own man.” From his first steps in the Greek Police, he earned respect and recognition, not only for his operational actions, but also for the directness with which he communicated with citizens.
His career began in 2009, when he entered the Police Academy. He served in demanding units, such as the Special Forces, and reportedly participated in dangerous operations, including a pursuit in Evros in 2019, where he was seriously injured. This incident, as he has stated in previous interviews, led him to redefine his priorities, giving greater weight to personal ethics rather than distinctions.
@vaggelisbatarlis #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – BATARLIS
Over the past five years, his fame skyrocketed thanks to his activity on TikTok and Instagram. Through videos and posts, he presented snapshots from the daily life of a “people’s” police officer who helps the public, reports injustices and expresses himself with sincerity. This digital image, combined with his open smile and direct speech, earned him tens of thousands of followers.
@vaggelisbatarlis #policia #police #policeofficer #polis @mpouzounopoulou_marina ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – BATARLIS
At the same time, his posts revealed a different aspect of his life: luxury trips to Monaco, Saint-Tropez, New York and other popular destinations, stays in five-star hotels and photos in private aircraft. This lifestyle raised questions about how a police officer could afford such luxuries. Rumors circulated about close relationships with tourism industry businessmen, as well as hints of involvement in illegal activities, though there was no official evidence at the time.
The reversal came a few weeks ago. After a targeted operation by the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Greek Police, 153 grams of cocaine, three precision scales, cartridges and his service ID, which had been reported as lost, were found at his home in Attica. According to police, during the operation he allegedly threw a bag containing drugs from the window, which was collected. A man who was staying at the house was also arrested with him.
Batarlis, in his defense, denied any involvement, claiming that the drugs belonged to his friend and that he had nothing to do with trafficking. However, the investigating magistrate and prosecutor decided on his pre-trial detention, judging that there was sufficient evidence of his participation.
The case caused shock, not only within police ranks, but also among public opinion. His supporters describe him as a person who had annoyed people with his public statements and was targeted, while his critics see in this story another case of abuse of position and fame for selfish purposes.
The truth, for now, remains the subject of judicial investigation. But the example of Vangelis Batarlis highlights how easily a person’s public image can be overturned – especially when it is built on impressions, social media and personal narratives that are not always what they seem. Until the court’s final decision, his story will continue to be a subject of discussion, dividing and troubling.
