Five major organized-crime case files investigated by Greece’s Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, often referred to as the “Greek FBI,” remain stalled at the investigative stage despite arrests, pretrial detention orders and extensive police inquiries.
The cases involve alleged narcotics trafficking networks, cigarette-smuggling operations, prostitution rings and a gang accused of blowing up automated teller machines to steal cash. More than a year after police investigations were completed and suspects were arrested, several files remain unresolved.
Some defendants have been released after reaching Greece’s 18-month limit on pretrial detention without being tried. Others allegedly violated their parole conditions and are now wanted by police.
Among these cases are defendants described by authorities as “hooligans turned drug barons,” accused of coordinating activities through the encrypted communications platforms Sky ECC and EncroChat. After completing 18 months in pretrial detention, they were released pending trial. Police sources said several later breached reporting requirements and are now being sought by authorities.
Senior figures linked to the group known as “Endik’s team,” whom police accused of playing a key role in the production and distribution of illicit cigarettes, have also been released because the main investigation was not completed within the detention period.
