The woman accused of involvement in the protection racket operating in brothels and gambling dens, who was detained despite vehemently denying the allegations, has a complex backstory. Her rise from a dedicated officer to a suspect in organized crime suddenly became overshadowed by her recent arrest.

Her journey, from her origins in Didymoteicho to her rise in the police force—covering Zakynthos, Athens, Mykonos, and the Economic Police—paints the picture of an ambitious, hardworking woman. Many colleagues saw her as capable and driven, with aspirations beyond her initial station.

Perhaps her ambitions led her to this precarious situation after the recent revelations about the criminal network she allegedly interacted with, a network that she reportedly did not previously attract official attention from.

Rumors had circulated over the years that the ambitious officer, then a teenager, felt confined in the remote border town of Didymoteicho. A tragic event—losing a beloved cousin to drugs—motivated her to become a police officer, aiming to crack down on traffickers.

She excelled academically, entered the Police Academy in Didymoteicho, and quickly advanced. In 2016, she was posted as a probationary officer in Zakynthos, where she became involved in a major case involving a half-million-euro theft. During investigations, it was believed that a fellow officer was implicated. When the officer was arrested and later convicted, Martha was known to have maintained a close relationship with him, though she was not involved in the crime. Unknown assailants also set her car on fire during this period.

Career Progression and Mykonos

Those close to her describe a determined, diligent woman who was promoted to deputy police officer and even pursued a law degree. Later, she transferred to the Athens Security Directorate, focusing on burglaries, eager to gain experience.

A few years before the pandemic, she requested a transfer to Mykonos, drawn by the island’s vibrant atmosphere and business contacts. Her short stint there was marked by her fascination with the lively environment—she was often seen dressed stylishly, fitting perfectly into the island’s scene.

Despite her brief assignment, she extended her stay, mingling with local entrepreneurs and enjoying the island’s luxury lifestyle.

Personal Life and Connections

In her personal life, she maintained relationships with notable figures, including a legendary footballer and a high-ranking police officer, with whom she reportedly shared a strong chemistry. In 2019, she was awarded “Police Officer of the Year” by then-Police Minister Olga Gerovasili, which boosted her confidence and aspirations.

Some sources suggest she left the force’s uniformed branch due to differences with colleagues, moving instead to the Anti-Violence Department, where her network of connections expanded to include prominent individuals from nightlife and business circles.

From the Financial Police to Criminal Involvement

Her transfer to the Financial Police came after a period of recognition, earning multiple commendations, including the Golden Cross of the Order of the Phoenix and police medals. However, since February 2024, the Internal Affairs Unit has been closely monitoring her.

Special police units, using advanced techniques, followed her contacts with individuals allegedly involved in a criminal organization involved in protection rackets at brothels and illegal gambling establishments.

Realizing she was under surveillance, she installed security cameras at her residence but was unaware that one captured her meeting with a man known as “The Cretan,” alleged to be the gang’s leader.

On January 10, she was arrested while working in the Anti-Human Trafficking Subdivision of the Athens Police Directorate. She was charged as a key member of the organization. She immediately denied the allegations, asserting that her meetings with the supposed leader aimed at gathering intelligence rather than supplying information.

Her lawyer, Giorgos Patrinos, claimed there was weak evidence and that the money found belonged to her partner. Her detention shocked her hometown of Didymoteicho, where residents and her family, once proud of her achievements, now face a difficult reality. Her father, who used to frequent the local café where she was celebrated, stopped going there after her arrest.