A criminal gang allegedly behind a string of apartment break-ins in central Thessaloniki has been dismantled, with police saying its total haul exceeded €585,000 in cash, jewellery and valuables.

According to the Hellenic Police, two foreign nationals, aged 36 and 24, were arrested in the act, while a 39-year-old Greek is still being sought. A case file has been formed against them on charges of criminal organisation and aggravated theft.

Police located the 36-year-old on the morning of June 25, shortly after the burglary of an apartment in the city centre, from which jewellery, silverware and coins worth around €55,000 had been stolen. His 24-year-old accomplice was also arrested, with police saying he had acted as a lookout at the entrance to the apartment building.

The investigation found that the suspects, together with the 39-year-old and other accomplices, had allegedly formed a criminal organisation at least since December 2025, targeting homes in central Thessaloniki. According to police, the gang selected apartments with specific types of security locks, monitored the properties to make sure residents were away, and used a lookout during each break-in.

Authorities believe the suspects were involved in eight additional residential burglaries in the city centre up to June 24. The value of jewellery, valuables and other stolen items is estimated at more than €531,360, while the gang is also alleged to have taken over €54,000 in cash.

During searches of the suspects’ homes and personal belongings, police seized 253 keys, seven master keys, a magnetic key used to open drawers, 17 plastic cards used to force doors, a portable walkie-talkie, a diamond detector and burglary tools, including a drill, a grinder, a sledgehammer and a crowbar. Officers also confiscated branded clothing and accessories, €790, £55 and banknotes from several other countries.

The two arrested suspects are expected to appear before the competent judicial authorities.