The operation of the illicit cigarette smuggling ring caused €1 billion in damages to the Greek State over eight years.

The ring was uncovered last February by the Authority for the Laundering of Proceeds of Crime, following a four-month investigation.

Following an order by the head of the Authority, former Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court Charalambos Vourliotis, authorities have seized 42 properties across Greece, particularly in the Cyclades islands.

These include a hotel complex, villas, maisonettes, a factory in Aspropyrgos where the illegal cigarettes were processed, and more.

Also seized were 76 vessels, including 3 tankers (two container ships and one oil tanker), as well as two commercial ships available for charter.

In addition, 26 vehicles were seized — most of them luxury models (Porsche, Land Rover, etc.) — along with trucks, trailers, caravans, and more.

Bank accounts were also frozen.

The case involves 38 natural persons, some of whom have already been remanded in custody, and 21 legal entities in the form of Anonymous Companies (S.A.), Limited Liability Companies (EPE), shipping companies, etc.

Among those arrested are two brothers known by the code names “President” and “Putin”, who are alleged to be the masterminds of the smuggling ring.

At least 4 individuals connected to one family are said to have played a leading role, while the others operated as accomplices or “satellites.”

The money laundering was carried out through shell companies, fake invoices, false certifications, and other illegal acts.Mr. Vourliotis has forwarded the 130-page report he compiled to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further action.