In Thessaloniki, authorities dismantled a criminal syndicate selling adulterated oil mislabeled as “extra virgin olive oil.” Five members were arrested, facing felony charges of counterfeiting, fraud, and organized crime.
Police raided an illegal production facility and storage sites in Menemeni, seizing over 15 tons of adulterated oil in 15-liter containers. The oil was mixed with sunflower oil and chemical dyes to mimic genuine olive oil’s appearance.
The gang used forged certificates to falsely verify the oil’s quality and origin.
A 55-year-old man, suspected to be the ringleader, was among those arrested. He had a prior arrest in Alexandria, Imathia, for similar crimes but was released after misdemeanor charges. His 51-year-old wife was also detained, while their 33-year-old son remains at large.
The suspects were brought before an investigating magistrate.