Greek authorities—often referred to as the country’s ‘FBI’—have dismantled a criminal network that posed as employees of Greece’s national electricity provider, DEDDHE (now part of PPC), or as accountants to carry out telephone scams targeting unsuspecting citizens. The group’s illicit profits exceed €1.6 million, and at least seven suspects have been arrested.
Operation Launched After Months of Investigation
The operation was launched on the afternoon of 1 July in Zefyri, following a lengthy investigation. Authorities located the gang’s call centre—the hub from which scammers impersonated DEDDHE staff or financial professionals to defraud victims.
How the Scam Worked
Investigators found that suspects sourced potential victims’ phone numbers from public telephone directories. They then called them, posing as DEDDHE employees or accountants, and used various pretexts—including fake tax filings, fraudulent claims about securing money or valuables, or invented reports of electricity leaks—to convince victims to hand over cash and high-value items.
Once victims agreed, suspects would visit their homes under false pretences—such as conducting an ‘inventory’ or ‘valuation’—and steal the assets outright.
A Family-Run Criminal Enterprise
The group operated like a family business: all members were related by blood or marriage and came from the same social background. Senior members coordinated and oversaw operations, while ‘call agents’ were responsible for identifying targets, setting up phone lines and devices, and making the deceptive calls.
To cover their tracks, suspects frequently changed call centres and phone lines. They also installed surveillance systems and security shutters at their operational premises.
Arrests and Evidence Seized
Seven members of the network—including two ringleaders and several call agents—were arrested. They now face charges related to running a criminal organisation and committing professional fraud, committed jointly and repeatedly, with illicit gains exceeding €120,000.
During searches, authorities seized:
- 13 mobile phones
- 3 prepaid SIM card packages
- 13 marked pages from printed telephone directories—annotated to identify potential victims
- 2 gold bracelets, 4 pendants, 1 gold chain
- 1 vehicle
Photographs recovered during the investigation show suspects displaying British pounds and luxury Rolex watches allegedly taken from victims.
The suspects have been brought before the competent prosecutor’s office. Investigations into the full scope of the group’s activities remain ongoing.