In a joint operation between Greek and Albanian authorities, a criminal organization specializing in the theft and resale of high-value clothing has been dismantled. The operation, led by the Northeast Attica Crime Prosecution and Investigation Sub-Directorate, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the identification of four more.
Eight Arrested, Four Sought in Cross-Border Operation
On Wednesday, November 19, eight members of the criminal organization, aged between 33 and 63, were arrested in areas of Attica. Additionally, four more members have been identified and are currently being sought by authorities. The suspects face charges including forming and participating in a criminal organization, professional theft, money laundering, and handling proceeds of crime.
Modus Operandi: From Athens Stores to Tirana Resale
According to the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the criminal organization had been active since at least mid-October, systematically stealing clothing items from stores across Attica. A 54-year-old foreign national was identified as the leader and coordinator of the criminal activity, with four of her family members also involved in the organization.
The cross-border operation involved two distinct groups: one operating in Greece and another in Albania. The Greek-based group was responsible for executing large-scale thefts from retail stores. The 54-year-old leader, aided by her family members, then arranged for the stolen goods to be transported via intercity buses to Tirana, where another relative operated a clothing store for their resale. The Albanian group was tasked with receiving the stolen clothing and selling it through this store, often advertising the items on social media to attract customers.
Sophisticated Tactics and Anti-Surveillance Measures
The perpetrators of the thefts would gather in the Tavros area to plan their operations before heading to target stores using one of the organization’s nine ‘operational’ vehicles. After the thefts, all stolen goods were collected in a warehouse in Petralona for shipment to Albania.
The thieves frequently committed multiple thefts within a single day, primarily targeting stores that sold merchandise without anti-theft mechanisms. However, ELAS noted that even when items were equipped with security tags, the accused had developed specialized skills in removing them using a special electronic device and a strong magnet.
Furthermore, the perpetrators employed anti-surveillance measures both during the thefts and while loading the stolen goods into their vehicles. They also regularly replaced their rented ‘operational’ vehicles to avoid detection.
Seized Items and Solved Cases
During searches of the suspects’ residences and the organization’s warehouse, authorities seized:
- 71,420 euros in cash
- Numerous stolen clothing items
- Various electronic devices and mobile phones
- Seven magnets for removing anti-theft devices
- A specialized device for removing security tags
In a parallel search conducted by Albanian authorities at the clothing store in Tirana where the stolen items were being sold, a large quantity of stolen clothing was found with Greek labels and prices in euros.
The preliminary investigation by the Northeast Attica Crime Prosecution and Investigation Sub-Directorate has led to the resolution of 14 aggravated theft cases from stores in Marousi, Agia Paraskevi, Spata, Dafni, Nea Erythraia, Chalandri, Ilion, and central Athens.
Several members of the organization are co-defendants in other theft cases from stores, and some possessed multiple identification documents to hinder their identification by authorities.
Source: https://www.newsbeast.gr/society/arthro/12713321/exarthrothike-egklimatiki-organosi-pou-ekleve-roucha-stin-attiki-syntonismeni-epicheirisi-se-athina-kai-tirana
