Members of a criminal organisation allegedly involved in arson, extortion, explosions, drug trafficking and attempted murder have been arrested by officers from the Hellenic Police’s organised crime unit, the Directorate for Combatting Organised Crime, often referred to as the “Greek FBI”.

According to the investigation, the defendants operated mainly in central Athens and acted under the orders of a 49-year-old man who is already serving time in prison.

Their activity, according to the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.), was extensive. They are allegedly linked to an arson and attempted explosion targeting a correctional officer on November 12, 2025; two vehicle arsons in Pallini and Gerakas; an incident of unlawful violence against an inmate inside a detention facility; gunfire aimed at a parked car in Athens; and two explosions at shops in different areas of the capital.

The first explosion took place on July 16, 2025, causing property damage, while the second occurred on August 5, 2025, causing damage and seriously injuring the shop owner.

Four foreign nationals were arrested during an operation carried out on Wednesday, July 1, in various parts of Attica. The case file also includes ten other people, nine of whom are already being held in detention facilities.

Depending on their alleged role in the case, the defendants face charges including participation in a criminal organisation, arson, completed and attempted explosions, manufacture and possession of explosive and incendiary materials, damage to private property, violence against public officials and judicial officers, complicity in extortion, and violations of weapons, narcotics and flare legislation.

During searches of homes and inmates’ cells in detention facilities, police seized a pistol with a magazine containing 12 rounds, three improvised incendiary and explosive devices, three flares, six improvised knives, 855.5 grams of methamphetamine, three precision scales, a grater, a GPS device, 12 mobile phones, four SIM cards, two data storage devices, a Wi-Fi router, clothing, a digital watch, a box containing numerous nylon packages, handwritten notes, a private vehicle and €3,450 in cash.

According to police, the defendants have previously faced charges for similar and other offences.

Those arrested are being brought before the competent prosecuting authority, along with the case file compiled against them.