Greek police break up meeting of powerful crime gang, make 13 arrests

The Greek police's organized crime unit broke up a meeting of Russian-speaking gangsters who had gathered in central Athens on Tuesday, making 13 arrests, it was announced on Wednesday.

Some of the suspects - who hail from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and other former Soviet bloc countries - are believed to be members of the powerful Vory V Zakone organized crime syndicate, which has expanded its activities across Europe.

One of them, in fact, is wanted by Russia, which has issued a Red Alert for his arrest, as he is thought to be a high-ranking member of the syndicate. Another is wanted in Spain.

The meeting in Athens was not the first of its kind; Kathimerini understands that it is an annual affair.