Organized crime

Details of a deadly December 20 pursuit of a migrant smuggling boat by a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol off the island of Rhodes have emerged, with two suspects now retracting their earlier confessions.

A 26-year-old Afghan man was arrested on Christmas Day for smuggling migrants into Greece, authorities reported on Thursday. The incident occurred early in the morning when a coast guard rescue boat spotted a disabled speedboat northeast of the island of Samos. 

A criminal organization involved in the smuggling of alcoholic beverages and money laundering has been dismantled after a police operation on Saturday, with 12 members arrested.

According to the police, 12 individuals have been arrested, while six additional suspects are involved in the case.

Five Turkish nationals were remanded in custody on Monday after court appearances following their arrests in a coordinated operation by Greece's Organized Crime Unit. They face charges of arms and drug trafficking but denied the allegations.

Authorities have reported a sharp increase in arrests of migrant smugglers, with over 200 individuals apprehended since the start of 2024.

According to Hellenic Coast Guard data, 228 smugglers have been detained in 11 months, a 53% increase compared to 2023.

Two foreign nationals were arrested in Chania for smuggling illegal cigarettes.

In their possession, authorities confiscated 140 packs of tobacco cigarettes that lacked the legally required customs markings, as well as €1,811 in cash.

A joint investigation by Greek and international media outlets has uncovered significant flaws in how Greek authorities handled the aftermath of the Pylos shipwreck, one of the Mediterranean's deadliest migrant tragedies.

A new nationwide survey shows a significant rise in public concern youth delinquency in Greece over the past few years. 

Conducted by Prorata and presented at an event organized by the Institute for Social Democracy - InSocial, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Athens, the study highlights growing concerns among the public about rising violence among minors. 

Cyprus lawmakers have taken a significant step in tackling money laundering and illegal activities by approving a proposal to limit large cash transactions. The law, passed with 24 votes in favor and two against, amends the current Law on the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering.

A major operation by the Organized Crime Sub-Division of Northern Greece is underway at an art studio in Thessaloniki.

According to reports, the investigation concerns a criminal organization that allegedly forged paintings by well-known and famous painters and then sold them for very high sums of money, making huge profits.