Police Dismantle Contract Killing Gang; Massive Weapons Arsenal

Greek police have dismantled a highly dangerous criminal organization involved in arson attacks, attempted murder, vehicle theft, and illegal weapons possession, following a coordinated nationwide operation, authorities confirmed.

The operation was conducted by the Sub-Directorate for Crimes Against Life and Property under the Organised Crime Division, with simultaneous raids carried out on the morning of Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in areas of Attica and Crete, as well as at a correctional facility.

Five members of the organisation were arrested, while three additional suspects were identified, including one individual already incarcerated. Prosecutors have filed charges against the suspects on a case-by-case basis for participation in a criminal organisation, attempted homicide, arson, damage to property, forgery, theft, violations of weapons and explosives laws, drug offences, violence against public officials, and possession of illegal flares.

According to police, an extensive investigation involving forensic analysis and video evidence revealed that the group had been operating since at least February 2025 as a structured and continuously active criminal network, allegedly engaged in contract-style attacks and arson operations.

Among the incidents linked to the group is the arson of a fuel station in Argyroupoli, Attica, in the early hours of February 23, 2025. Four suspects allegedly arrived on two motorcycles, with one armed with a Kalashnikov-style assault rifle. After forcing an employee away from the entrance, another suspect poured flammable liquid inside the premises, ignited the fire, and fled the scene.

On the evening of May 16, 2025, members of the group allegedly carried out a failed assassination attempt against a man traveling in an armoured vehicle in Ano Liosia. The attackers reportedly fired multiple bursts from a military-grade rifle but failed to injure the victim due to the vehicle’s armour. Police later recovered 47 shell casings from the scene and confirmed the target had been under surveillance prior to the attack.

The organisation is also accused of stealing a vehicle on July 22, 2025, fitting it with counterfeit license plates to support its criminal operations.

Detailed List of Items Seized

During searches conducted at multiple locations, police seized an extensive cache of weapons, drugs, cash, vehicles, and equipment, including:

• 5 Kalashnikov assault rifles

• 5 pistols

• 17 magazines

• 785 rounds of ammunition

• 2 bulletproof vests

• 21 explosive firecrackers

• €31,870 in cash

• 459.35 grams of cocaine

• 6 grams of cannabis

• 18 mobile phones

• 3 vehicles

• 1 stolen vehicle

• 4 motorcycles

• 3 motorcycle helmets

• 2 collapsible metal batons

• 1 collapsible stiletto knife

• 1 taser

• 1 wooden club

• 2 brass knuckles

• Tactical clothing and waist pouch

• Pistol holster

• 2 precision digital scales

• Surveillance device detector

• GPS tracking device

• Grinder

• Tablet device

• 2 USB storage devices

• Banking documents and other paperwork

• Handwritten notes related to criminal activity

Police noted that the majority of those arrested have prior criminal records involving serious offences. All suspects have been referred to the competent prosecutorial authorities as the investigation continues.