Greek FBI dismantles 180 organised crime rings, seizes millions in assets
More than 180 organised crime rings, estimated to have caused financial damage totalling 364 million euros to their victims and the state, were dismantled by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (the Greek FBI) in its first 16 months of operation.
More than 180 organised crime rings, estimated to have caused financial damage totalling 364 million euros to their victims and the state, were dismantled by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (the Greek FBI) in its first 16 months of operation.
The new Greek police service gathered evidence and testimonies to bring charges against 3,312 perpetrators, of whom 2,228 were brought to justice and 618 were remanded in custody. Among other items, 113 diamonds, 1,749 gold bars and coins, and 718 vehicles have been seized from criminal organisations.
The Greek FBI has tackled cases spanning all aspects of organised crime: from drug trafficking and human or arms trafficking to fuel pump fraud, from groups of killers, serial robbers, and forgers to sham business activities concealing serious tax evasion.
The confirmed damage to citizens, the state, and businesses amounts to 47.7 million euros. However, senior Greek police officers estimate that the real cost to the state exceeds 161.3 million euros, to citizens is close to 131.2 million euros, and to businesses exceeds 18.5 million euros, excluding lost fines.
