Greek authorities have uncovered the alleged activities of a criminal organisation suspected of carrying out hand grenade attacks on businesses in central Athens as part of an extortion and intimidation operation. At the centre of the investigation is a 49-year-old Albanian national who is already serving a prison sentence but is suspected of continuing to direct the group from behind bars.
 |
Greek media outlet Protothema has published footage showing two attacks on nightclubs in the Greek capital. According to the investigation, the organisation allegedly used explosive attacks to punish business owners who refused to pay protection money and to intimidate others into complying with its demands.
The alleged leader, a 49-year-old Albanian man with previous convictions for serious criminal offences, is currently serving his sentence at Trikala Prison. Investigators suspect that, despite being incarcerated, he continued to coordinate the group's activities, issue instructions and make key operational decisions.
His alleged network included a Roma national held at Malandrino Prison, two Egyptian nationals detained at Avlona and Malandrino prisons, and five other young suspects arrested by Greek authorities. According to reporting by noa.al, the five young men were between 17 and 21 years old.
Hand Grenade Attacks on Businesses in Central Athens
The footage released by Protothema reportedly documents two attacks carried out in early September, when suspected members of the organisation threw hand grenades at two businesses in central Athens.
Another incident took place in early October. In that case, the perpetrators allegedly approached one of the targeted establishments, threw a hand grenade into an area where customers were present and immediately fled.
The incident could have resulted in serious casualties. However, the grenade failed to explode, preventing what could have been a far more serious attack.
Investigators believe the attacks were part of a broader intimidation strategy designed to pressure business owners into paying money demanded by the criminal group.
Albanian Suspect Allegedly Directed Operations from Prison
According to Greek investigators, the organisation had a clearly defined structure, with a division of responsibilities among its members and an established system for coordinating its activities.
The 49-year-old Albanian suspect allegedly played the leading role in decision-making. From prison, he is believed to have selected targets, reviewed information gathered by his associates, issued instructions for subsequent operations and monitored their implementation.
Members operating outside prison allegedly handled the identification and surveillance of targets, monitored homes and business premises, gathered information about individuals involved and photographed locations where attacks were being planned.
Their alleged responsibilities also included obtaining the equipment required for the attacks, carrying them out and escaping from the scene.
Other alleged members held in different correctional facilities reportedly played an intermediary role. Investigators believe they helped relay messages and instructions from the suspected leader to associates outside prison, facilitating communication and coordination between the different members of the network.
Police Search Four Nightclubs, 27 People Taken In for Questioning
The investigation involved Greece's Department for Combating Extortion, working alongside prevention and mediation units and operational teams from the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE).
As part of the operation, police conducted searches at four nightclubs in central Athens.
Authorities checked the identities of 50 people during the operation, while 27 were taken to police stations for further investigative procedures.
The investigation is ongoing. The allegations against the suspects remain subject to the judicial process, and their responsibility for the attacks and the alleged criminal activities must be established by the competent authorities.