Shocking revelations have surfaced regarding a 37-year-old award-winning policewoman from the Juvenile Sub-Division, who is alleged to have played a key role in a sprawling criminal network operating within the Athens Police Headquarters (GADA).
This network, involving at least 70 people, including 11 police officers, is accused of running a protection racket for brothels, casinos, and clubs, raking in profits estimated at over €85 million.
The arrested individuals, 19 in total, are set to appear before authorities over the next two days. According to investigators, the ring’s activities date back to February 2014 and include organised crime, fraud, and selling illicit protection services.
At the helm of the operation are three central figures: a 58-year-old man known as “Cretan” or “Lefteris,” a 55-year-old man nicknamed “Nonnas” or “Uncle,” and a 37-year-old man whose identity has not been disclosed.
The Role of the 37-Year-Old Officer
The female officer, celebrated for her exemplary service and recipient of five professional awards, is now accused of using her position to assist the criminal network. Reports suggest she provided critical internal information to the gang’s leaders, compromising her duties.
Internal Affairs had been monitoring her activities for over a year before the arrests. Investigators discovered substantial sums of cash and sensitive documents in her possession, including notes from her previous assignments, which she was unauthorised to keep. The money, reportedly divided into sections within envelopes, further raised suspicions.
“She is accused of facilitating the ring through her communication with its top members,” said ELA spokesperson Constantia Demoglidou. “While the investigation doesn’t implicate senior officers or political figures at this stage, it has revealed significant misconduct.”
Broader Implications
Special police analyst Stavros Balaskas commented on the gravity of the scandal, noting that the officer had been highly regarded within the force, even performing duties akin to a deputy commissioner. Her exposure, he said, came as a shock: “Castles fall from within. Corruption flourished, and she went for millions.”
Balaskas also revealed that the investigation is expanding to other officers, including those in critical departments. The network’s scope and its infiltration of police ranks highlight the pressing need for reforms to tackle corruption within law enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing, with further interrogations and apologies expected from the accused in the coming days. Authorities remain focused on unraveling the full extent of the network’s operations and determining whether additional personnel were complicit in the scheme.
This scandal has cast a spotlight on the integrity of Greek law enforcement, raising questions about internal accountability and the systemic challenges of rooting out corruption.
(Source: In.gr)