Police officer honored as a hero at 36, arrested as a fraudster at 40

The story of a 40-year-old police officer has caused a stir within the ranks of the Hellenic Police (EL.AS).

In 2020, he was honored for his service and later retired, but in 2024, he was implicated in a scheme that targeted elderly victims.

In early March 2014, the officer took part in a chase involving Nikos Maziotis in Kleitoria, Achaia, who was wanted after an armed robbery at a local bank.

During the chase, gunfire was exchanged, and the officer was shot in the leg. His actions were deemed “exceptional,” and in 2020, he received a police medal in a special ceremony held in his honor. Following his injury, the then 30-year-old officer retired and continued his life as a civilian.

From honor to crime – The elderly scam ring

However, things changed just a few days ago when it was revealed that the former officer had crossed from integrity into criminal activity.

Specifically, the retired officer, along with two other individuals, including a woman, allegedly called citizens, claiming that their relatives had been involved in traffic accidents and required money for surgeries.

Their operation was uncovered on September 10, when an unknown man called a woman, pretending to be a doctor at the University General Hospital of Patras.

He demanded €40,000 to cover the surgery expenses for her daughter, who, according to him, had seriously injured her leg and needed immediate surgery. During the conversation, another woman, pretending to be the victim’s daughter, tried to convince her to hand over the money.

The victim believed them and agreed to deliver the money at a location indicated by the criminal group, near the Church of Saint Basil in the Vrachneika area, where an accomplice was waiting.

Indeed, at around 2:05 PM that same day, the woman went to the location and handed over €40,000 to an unknown man, who left on a motorcycle. However, police investigations revealed that the person who collected the money was their former colleague.

Following an operation by the Patras Security Division, the accused was apprehended and identified by the victim. When questioned, he admitted his involvement in the scam.

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