The leader and deputy leader of a criminal organization allegedly involved in frauds targeting victims in casino suites have been remanded in custody, following approval from the investigating judge and prosecutor.

Three additional suspects were released under restrictive conditions.

How the Ring Operated
As reported by protothema.gr, the criminal network made “golden” deals, reportedly swindling over one million euros.

The head of the group is a 53-year-old man, while the deputy leader is a well-known businessman and owner of massage centers. Two other individuals have also been arrested as accomplices.

The method used by the suspects involved targeting financially robust professionals and approaching them under the pretext of investing in the Loutraki Casino, promising a monthly profit of 10% to 20% on the invested capital.

To achieve their goal, the ring’s leader posed as a senior executive of Loutraki Casino and arranged meetings with victims in hotel suites at the casino. During these meetings, they displayed large amounts of cash, gold coins, gold bars, and precious stones (of questionable authenticity), claiming these originated from previous investments.

As a result, the victims handed over significant sums of money. To convince the victims of the legitimacy of the investment, in many cases the suspects presented forged checks.

Additionally, when victims requested the return of their funds, the organization offered various excuses, delaying repayment and maintaining the deception.

Brazen Tactics of the Ring
Illustrating the audacity of the group, according to Greek police (EL.AS.), the organization staged a “fake” robbery to intimidate a victim demanding their money back, causing physical injuries.

In another instance, the group orchestrated a staged arrest of the deputy leader, involving individuals posing as police officers, and confiscated a large sum under the pretext of a legal seizure.