Authorities say they have broken a large gang that allegedly stole and resold cars in the Greater Athens region while engaging in insurance fraud, making about €1 million over the past three years.
A police statement said 13 people were arrested Monday on suspicion of belonging to the ring, following a months-long investigation. They face charges of belonging to a criminal organization, theft, money laundering, fraud and forgery.
The suspects, aged 38-22, allegedly stole cars from Athens and its environs, changed the serial numbers and resold them to unsuspecting buyers, the statement said.
It added that in at least nine cases members of the gang allegedly made false declarations to insurance companies, claiming that their cars had been stolen, in order to receive compensation payments.
A total 19 stolen cars whose serial numbers had been tampered with were located and returned to their original owners. The suspects are believed to have stolen at least another 14 cars, police said.
