Greek police have dismantled a criminal organization that posed as employees of an electricity provider to defraud and rob elderly residents across Attica. Two suspects — aged 31 and 26 — were arrested on Tuesday, 8 July 2026. A further two individuals have been identified and are currently at large.
How the Arrests Took Place
On the afternoon of Thursday, 8 July 2026, officers from the Marathon Police Department’s Crime Investigation Unit responded to a report of an ongoing telephone scam targeting a woman in her home. Upon arrival, they found and apprehended the two suspects in the act of stealing multiple pieces of jewelry.
How the Gang Operated
The group targeted victims — primarily elderly people — using telephone directories. Posing as utility company staff, they fabricated emergencies such as electrical leaks or meter faults to gain trust. Under these pretexts, they convinced victims to gather valuables and cash.
Victims were then instructed either to place the items in a designated spot inside their homes and move to another room, or to leave them outside — all while keeping the main entrance unlocked. This allowed the suspects to enter unchallenged and steal the property.
To avoid detection, the gang used numerous prepaid mobile phone lines registered under false identities. For transportation, they relied on taxis — treating them as ‘operational vehicles’. During crimes, they wore caps and surgical masks for anonymity and security.
Scope of the Crimes
According to preliminary investigative findings by the North-East Attica Crime Investigation Directorate — in cooperation with the Property Crimes Division of the Athens Police Headquarters — the group had been active since at least last April. So far, investigators have confirmed eight cases of fraud and theft across various Attica municipalities. The total illicit proceeds amount to €130,000.
The two arrested individuals have been charged with forming and participating in a criminal organization engaged in repeated, professional, and aggravated thefts and frauds, as well as money laundering. They were brought before the competent public prosecutor.