Greek authorities have successfully dismantled a criminal organization that was engaged in systematic theft and robbery of liquor bottles from various stores across the Attica region. The operation was carried out by the Under-Directorate for Crime Investigation and Detection in Piraeus, with police conducting a targeted operation on February 11, which resulted in the arrest of 9 individuals, in addition to another 4 accomplices identified in the case. The gang had been active since the beginning of 2023, focusing exclusively on a single company's retail outlets.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the members of the organization had distinct roles and operated with a degree of coordination. They primarily targeted alcoholic beverages, employing physical violence and threats against store employees to facilitate their thefts. This brazen criminal activity not only impacted the targeted stores economically but also posed a safety risk to the workers involved, raising concerns about the increasing violence associated with retail crimes in the region.

The leader of the group was identified as a 47-year-old foreign national who held a significant position within the criminal hierarchy. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces regarding organized crime in urban areas, particularly in relation to theft and violence. The recovery of the stolen items, valued at around 70,000 euros, represents a significant achievement for the police and a warning to other potential offenders about the consequences of such activities.