Three criminal networks accused of defrauding and stealing from elderly citizens have been dismantled by officers from the Agrinio Criminal Investigation Sub-Directorate. Four suspects were arrested, and the identities of 18 additional members were established.
How the Scam Worked
The suspects posed as employees of the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDHE) — Greece’s main electricity distribution company. Using fabricated emergencies — such as a supposed risk of explosion due to an electrical leak — they terrified elderly victims over the phone and convinced them to gather cash and valuables.
According to police, the groups operated from homes in Attica and Argolis, using them as makeshift call centers. To appear credible, they conducted video calls via messaging apps, displaying DEDDHE’s official logo. Their operation began in September 2025 and spanned Agrinio, Athens, and Thessaloniki.
Two Methods of Theft
After initial contact, so-called ‘collectors’ would visit victims’ homes under the remote guidance of the callers. They used two main tactics:
First, they persuaded victims to place money and jewelry in trays or wrap them in aluminum foil and leave them at external locations — such as balconies or doorsteps — where the perpetrators later retrieved them without entering the home.
Second, if the victim was unable to leave the house, suspects entered under false pretenses. While one suspect kept the elderly person occupied on the phone, others searched the premises and stole cash or valuables.
After each crime, suspects immediately discarded their mobile phones and SIM cards to hinder detection. During searches of their residences, police seized numerous mobile devices, SIM cards, laptops, and USB storage drives.
Legal Proceedings
The four arrested individuals will be brought before the Public Prosecutor of the Misdemeanor Court of Aetolia-Acarnania.
Separate Case in Patras
In a related incident in Patras, three members of another group were arrested for defrauding an elderly citizen by impersonating DEH (Public Power Corporation) staff. Claiming an imminent fire hazard due to an electrical leak, they tricked the victim into handing over more than €16,000 and jewelry. The suspects allegedly instructed the victim to leave the items outside their home — a method consistent with the broader pattern uncovered in Agrinio.