Oil sold only “virgin” was not – Arrests of a gang of oil dealers in Imathia

In eight arrests, the Division for Economic Crimes of the Sub-Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of Northern Greece proceeded to Imathia, as in collaboration with the Single Food Control Body they revealed two gangs that were selling. After the investigations the police found themselves in front of two laboratories to manufacture and standardise adulterated oils, in which the perpetrators, at least since November 2023, after supplying quantities of sunflower oil, went on to his adulteration, adding pigments and flavourings to resemble olive oil. They then standardized the product in plastic and metal packagings of 5 liters, in which they also labeled “Excellent Virgin Olive Oil”, with designations of origin in areas of Greece known for the production of olive oil. Among other things, 17,395 litres of oil, 497 empty containers, pigments and flavourings and labels were seized. Everything seized will be handed over to the competent customs authority, while EPET officials have taken samples of the oils, which will be sent to the Chemical Agency of Central Macedonia for laboratory tests. Arrested were taken to the competent prosecutor, while investigations into identification and arrest and other perpetrators continue.