New evidence has come to light regarding the activities of the criminal organization in Chania, known as the Crete Mafia. Specifically, video evidence revealed by ERT captures members of the organization in Crete while they were trafficking drugs.
As shown in the video, a member of the criminal organization in Crete parks his car on a main street in Chania city.
Seconds later, a customer who had previously contacted him by phone approaches and receives narcotic substances from him.
Watch the ERT video:
It should be noted that after their testimonies, 14 of the 33 arrested from the first case file who are charged with drug trafficking and arms and ammunition trading were ordered to be held in pre-trial detention.
Two businessman brothers who allegedly helped members of the criminal organization were released for the first case file with restrictive conditions. However, they were subsequently re-arrested with a warrant for the second case file concerning extortion and appropriation of church property.
The two brothers are expected to be brought before the prosecutor of penal execution next Tuesday, September 9.
Crete mafia: “The criminal organization was a bubble, we didn’t extort or threaten anyone” says alleged “leader”
It should be recalled that the alleged “mastermind” of the mafia in Crete broke his “silence” following the decision that saw him and his brother released with restrictive conditions, before being re-arrested due to a new case file. It should be noted that both are accused of participating in a second criminal organization.
It should be noted that the first criminal organization was a well-branched network with multiple illegal activities (drugs, weapons, extortion, church businesses).
The two brothers who operate a hotel unit and beach bar near Chania are alleged to be leading figures in this organization. The dismantling occurred after extensive investigation and a significant police operation in late August 2025. The alleged mafia leader categorically denies any involvement in drugs, weapons, and extortion.
Crete mafia: “The criminal organization was a bubble,” claims alleged “leader”
“We had no connection to the fake criminal organization. We didn’t know anyone from those in the indictment. We had no connection to drugs, weapons, extortion. It was a bubble, that’s why we were released,” the defendant states speaking to Star television station.
What he says about the 175 acres in Agia Triada
“The 175 acres belong to my brother, he legally owns them from his grandfather and many were purchased from a major businessman who has passed away. The Monastery has no connection to these. It has already won 750 acres from the Greek State in court. It can’t want everything,” he states and explains: “It’s not my voice. It’s artificial intelligence.”
“We didn’t extort or threaten anyone. It’s not my voice in the videos. If it sounds like it, it’s artificial intelligence. They’ve entangled us in church scandals that don’t concern us,” says the defendant.
The conversation with Panos Kammenos
“I called Mr. Kammenos on the phone and during the conversation the topic of the archimandrite came up. Mr. Kammenos said publicly that he was joking. His choice, he did well,” he explained to Star.
The alleged “leader of the Cretan mafia” declares himself determined to refute the charges and prove that, as he maintains, he has been unjustly implicated in a case that “doesn’t concern him.”
