Greek police in Crete is in the process of dismantling a criminal ring comprised of army and police officers, as well as local businessmen, with 48 people having been arrested so far.
The extensive operation started in the early hours of Sunday following a months-long investigation and surveillance of the perpetrators of the criminal organization.
According to local media reports, the operation is being carried out by the Chania Crime Investigation and Combative Team (OPKE) Sub-Directorate with the assistance of various police units from Crete.
The operation is being carried out in the presence of eight public prosecutors in areas of the prefectures of Chania and Rethymno, with the aim of dismantling the criminal organization. The members of the ring are involved in drug trafficking, weapons selling, extortion, money laundering, and other crimes.
So far, 48 people have been arrested, while quantities of cannabis and cocaine, handguns, combat rifles, vehicles and cash have been seized by the Greek Police.
According to information from local news, the persons involved reportedly include uniformed personnel, military and police officers, as well as businessmen known to the local society.
Months-long investigation
Greek Police were gathering information about the activities of the Crete mafia for months, specifically after the arrival of the new leadership of the Chania Police Department, with experienced officers from Athens.
The explosive device that was placed by unknown persons in the home of a Cretan police officer in January was the starting point of an extensive investigation by the Greek Police. The project was planned by senior officers who had moved to Chania about a year and a half ago, with the main purpose to dismantle organized crime rings.
The evidence available so far shows an extensive network of people – some above suspicion – that was involved in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. According to local reports, the army men who participated in the ring were stealing fuel from military depots.
Investigations into the explosive device planted at the police officer’s residence revealed that cocaine traffickers had planned to kill the officer who had brought charges against them. A 36-year-old man from Crete was arrested in connection with planting the bomb. He was found with 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of cocaine and two explosive devices ready for use.
The case began to unfold when the Chania police director and the commander of the Chania Security, who had been sent from Athens, requested a thorough search of the mobile phones of crime suspects who had been arrested a few days after their arrival on the island. From there, the unraveling of the thread that led to Sunday’s arrest of members of the criminal ring began.
