Eight people have been arrested for belonging to a criminal gang that allegedly stole cars and motorcycles in various parts of Attica. Police have solved a total of 23 thefts and estimate the organisation’s profits at more than €350,000.

During the operation, carried out on 29 September in Kamatero, Peristeri and Acharnes, six members aged between 18 and 55 were arrested, while two more, aged 22 and 60, were detained on warrants. According to the Hellenic Police, those arrested include the group’s ringleader.

The investigation began after officers received information about individuals allegedly targeting mainly high-powered, high-value motorcycles.

According to the police announcement, the members had organised their activity around distinct roles. They are believed to have formed the criminal organisation at least as far back as the end of 2025, with the aim of stealing cars and motorcycles.

The perpetrators operated mostly at night, moving constantly between different areas of Attica in search of vehicles matching their chosen targets.

To steal motorcycles, they would destroy or bypass the anti-theft mechanisms and then remove the bikes with the help of other “operational” motorcycles, using the “foot-push” method, in which an accomplice followed on a second motorcycle and pushed the stolen bike along from behind with his foot, moving it away from the scene.

The stolen vehicles were then taken far from the scene of the theft and parked temporarily in public spaces to avoid being traced through GPS tracking devices.

Police attribute a managerial role to the alleged ringleader, who, according to the investigation, coordinated the other members, provided financial backing and gathered the group together before the thefts.

The 24-year-old is believed to have held a senior role, acting as a link between the ringleader and the other members. According to the Hellenic Police, the ringleader, together with the 24-year-old, an 18-year-old and a 23-year-old, carried out the thefts themselves.

The 55-year-old is alleged to have been responsible for transporting the stolen vehicles from the temporary hiding places, while the 45-year-old is believed to have handled their sale on the market through a shop he ran.

During searches of the defendants’ homes, officers found and seized 13 stolen and altered vehicles, both cars and motorcycles. They also found a large number of vehicle parts and number plates, GPS tracking and signal-jamming devices, radio frequency detection devices, tools and mobile phones.

The items seized also included a replica pistol, a small quantity of cannabis and three “operational” vehicles.

The investigation solved a total of 23 vehicle thefts in Chaidari, Peristeri, Agioi Anargyroi, Ilion, Nikaia, Acharnes and Palaio Faliro, while the organisation’s profits are estimated to exceed €350,000.

A case file has been filed against the eight suspects for criminal conspiracy, aggravated vehicle theft, repeated fraud, forgery and drug law offences.

The suspects were brought before the competent prosecutor, while the investigation continues to establish the full extent of the gang’s activity.