Greek authorities have arrested a key member of a criminal group suspected of orchestrating a series of ATM explosions and vehicle thefts across the country. The operation was carried out by officers from Greece’s National Intelligence Service (often referred to as the country’s ‘FBI’) in coordination with specialized units from the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE) and the Property Crimes Division.
Targeted Arrest After Months-Long Investigation
The arrest took place on the afternoon of last Tuesday at a residence and associated premises used by the suspect in Attica. A pre-existing arrest warrant had been issued against him for multiple serious offenses, including founding and participating in a criminal organization, attempted homicide, aggravated theft and attempted theft, explosives-related crimes, document forgery, assault, dangerous driving, property damage, and weapons law violations.
According to police, the group’s activities date back to at least February 2025. The investigation involved extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and forensic analysis over several months before culminating in this targeted operation.
Modus Operandi: Precision, Violence, and Evasion
Investigators uncovered a highly organized and methodical approach:
- The suspects used stolen vehicles—taken primarily from areas in Attica—as operational transport to travel to provincial locations where they selected ATM targets.
- They carried heavy weaponry, prepared to deploy it during confrontations or escapes.
- ATMs were breached using electric cutting wheels followed by improvised explosive devices, resulting in powerful blasts designed to destroy security mechanisms and access cash cassettes.
- After seizing cash containers, the group would immediately vacate the scene.
To evade detection, members avoided mobile phone use during planning and execution phases. They also employed specialized tools to break into vehicles, alter their appearance, and eliminate biological or forensic traces.
Video Footage from ATM Attacks Recovered
As part of the probe, investigators have gathered substantial evidence—including video documentation—of the gang’s attacks on ATMs. One such clip, recovered during the investigation, shows the group carrying out an assault on an ATM in a provincial location. A video file linked to the case is available here.