The dismantling of a large criminal network operating on the island of Crete followed an eight-month undercover police investigation into drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering and extortion. The probe involved phone surveillance, physical tracking and investigative infiltration.
So far authorities have arrested 48 people, with 16 already held in pre-trial detention. The network allegedly laundered money through hotels, beach bars and short-term rentals.
Police say the group’s reach extended into law enforcement and the military: uniformed officers reportedly facilitated drug and weapons trafficking, while two army officers were directly involved in drug distribution.
Raids uncovered narcotics and heavy weaponry, including assault rifles. Foreign nationals from Albania and Egypt were linked to drug operations, while arms smuggling appeared limited to Greek suspects. Among those arrested are a hotel owner in Hania and his brother, as well as a gym owner in Kolymvari.
The group is also tied to the January 2024 bombing of a police officer’s home in Hania, believed to be retaliation for drug-related arrests. Wiretaps further exposed about 10 unrelated criminal cases, some involving clerics.
Police stress the investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests possible.
