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> Greece

Roma family linked to gold coins scam had a private helipad at their villa

While officially claiming to live in tents, members of the family were driving luxury cars like Porsche and residing in lavish homes on estates exceeding 100 acres

Phrixos Drakondidis March 10 10:23

New striking details have emerged from an investigation by Greece’s Directorate for Combating Organized Crime—often referred to as the country’s “Greek FBI”—into a gold sovereign fraud case in the city of Larissa.

According to information contained in the case file and the ongoing investigation, police drones monitoring land used by members of the Roma family captured footage of a helipad built at a villa believed to be connected to individuals involved in the case. Officers say the discovery highlights the stark contrast between the suspects’ actual lifestyle and the image they officially presented to authorities.

In recent hours, police have intensified the investigation, carefully examining the assets of people mentioned in the case file. At the same time, new statements are being taken from victims of the alleged scam, while specialized investigators are cross-checking financial records, bank transactions and information related to property ownership and business activities.

Drone footage has also revealed that members of the family had constructed luxury residences on large plots of land—some reportedly exceeding 100 acres. Authorities are now investigating whether some of these properties were built without the required planning permits or possibly on land that may have been illegally occupied.

Investigators were particularly struck by the discovery of a dedicated area within one of the properties that appears to function as a helipad. The finding raised serious questions about the true wealth of the suspects.

At the same time, police are examining the lifestyle of those involved. According to evidence in the case file, several family members were driving very expensive vehicles. One of them allegedly drove a high-end Porsche and frequently showcased it on social media through photos and videos.

This detail becomes even more significant given that, according to the investigation, members of the family had officially declared themselves as living in temporary tent settlements. The reality uncovered by police appears very different, with luxury homes, extensive land holdings and significant movable assets now coming to light.

The new findings add to previously uncovered evidence in the investigation into the gold sovereign scam in Larissa. Authorities have also identified cases of electricity theft linked to members of the family, while some properties used by them appear to be unauthorized constructions.

Land registry records related to certain properties are also being examined, as authorities consider them to be of questionable origin. Investigators are reviewing the ownership status of several plots of land used by those involved amid indications that some may have been illegally occupied.

Business activities associated with the family are also under scrutiny. According to investigators, companies listed as organizing local markets and fairs in the Thessalian plain may be shell companies, potentially used as fronts for other financial activities.

The fraud case itself came to light after a months-long police investigation. Initially, reports appeared to be isolated incidents, but when the case was transferred to the Extortion Unit of the Organized Crime Directorate, officers began linking the complaints together. By analyzing financial data and evidence, they gradually pieced together the broader scheme.

So far, at least six separate fraud cases have been linked to the same group, though police believe the number of victims could rise. According to sources involved in the investigation, several victims were initially reluctant to come forward—either out of fear or due to pressure.

Investigators say the suspects used a consistent method to approach victims, claiming they had access to large quantities of gold sovereign coins at unusually low prices. They convinced buyers to pay significant sums in advance.

In reality, however, the money changed hands while the coins were never delivered, leaving victims with major financial losses. Authorities believe the full scale of the case has not yet been uncovered.

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How the OPEKEPE scam operated – Luxury trips, five-star hotels, Prada, and a fake divorce for the alleged ringleader

The investigation continues as police attempt to determine not only how the group carried out the alleged scam but also the true extent of the wealth accumulated by those involved, which appears to be far greater than what official records suggest.

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