A relatively young couple from western Crete was, according to police assessments and investigations, the most powerful core in cocaine trafficking. In fact, as evidenced by official testimonies, they allegedly commanded a large part of Chania. From Platanias to Kasteli was the area where anyone needing cocaine had to turn to them, particularly to the ruthless leader of this drug trafficking network.
Based on information from the police investigation, the 36-year-old Chania native was the one pulling the strings and controlling the illegal trade in the area. Alongside him was his also 36-year-old wife, nicknamed “Angela,” who allegedly operated as the “treasurer” of the network that her husband is said to have “run.”
The couple allegedly used the Signal app to conceal communications with clients, and if clients didn’t comply, they encouraged them to use it to avoid exposure. As revealed through numerous phone conversations, since they were in the “crosshairs” of elite police units and special intelligence services, they used code names during conversations to avoid detection. From the 700 calls analyzed by specialist police officers, it was found they used expressions like “honey,” “keys,” “coins,” “pairs of shoes,” “invitations,” accompanied by numbers that likely indicated the quantity of cocaine being negotiated.
Crete mafia: the conversations that expose everything
Authorities estimate that at least 5 kilos of cocaine were channeled into the “market,” securing approximately 500,000 euros. The couple allegedly used this money to renovate their home and cover utility bills.
Characteristic are the conversations showing how they communicated with clients and used code names:
Leader: Two “coins” are you, damn it?
Client: Yes.
Leader: Okay, I’ve left the bag at grandma’s window.
Client: Yes, yes.
In the next conversation, they reference the Signal app and a Smart car. According to police sources, the couple had developed a contactless transaction method where clients approached the leader’s empty vehicle, he unlocked it remotely, they left money inside the vehicle, took the exchange, and left. Then the leader would lock the vehicle remotely again to avoid surveillance:
Client: Yes, come because I want to tell you something.
Leader: What happened?
Client: Well, I can’t tell you.
Leader: What happened with the neighbor?
Client: No, man.
Leader: Ah.
Client: Well, I want to tell you something about your Smart car.
Leader: Do you have Signal?
Client: No, what’s that?
Leader: Hey, idiot, download it. Signal, go to the Play store and download it.
Client: I’ll send it to you on Viber.
Leader: Come on, bye.
In another conversation, the 36-year-old’s wife placed an “order” with her husband to settle their household bills:
Leader: Can you please go outside to the scooter and see if the two “keys” are there? It’s cold, I know, but just two minutes.
“Treasurer”: And if I go and there’s nothing there?
Leader: No, that’s impossible. N… came earlier and you didn’t notice him.
“Treasurer”: Yes, I saw them, what do you want me to take them?
Leader: No, aren’t there two?
“Treasurer”: Yes.
Leader: Done. Yes, yes, take them from there. Come on, let me tell you, put them in… open my closet, you’ll see something green and put the “keys” there. He’ll transfer and put 150 euros, okay?
“Treasurer”: Great, to National Bank, eh?
Leader: You want National Bank?
“Treasurer”: Yes, to pay the electricity.
Leader: Great, send me National Bank’s IBAN.
“Treasurer”: Who will put them, the…
Leader: Yes, N…
“Treasurer”: Great, since he has it.
Leader: If he has it, okay.
“Treasurer”: He has me saved.
In three other conversations, it becomes clear they’re discussing transaction details:
Client: I’ll go to Kasteli to put it in. Yes.
Leader: Ah, great, should I leave the “keys” here for you?
Client: Ah, yes, man, if you can.
Leader: Yes, and you leave them there too.
Client: Yes, tell me where and I’ll…
Leader: OK, OK, on the seat, on the seat.
Client: Okay, man.
—
Leader: In the village.
Client: Should I come?
Leader: You alone?
Client: Eh?
Leader: Who will be there?
Client: It’s me.
Leader: Just you?
Client: Yes.
Leader: Okay.
Client: 3 “coins”.
Leader: Well, that’s why I’m asking.
Client: 5.
Leader: 5? 6? 7? 8?
Client: 5.
—
Leader: Great, uh… let me tell you, should I bring all five pairs of shoes?
Client: Six
Leader: Six, okay.
