Athens Court begins trial of 25 for Mykonos criminal ring

The Athens Court of Appeals has commenced the trial of 25 defendants accused of operating a criminal organization in Mykonos. The group allegedly involved sworn police officers, drug trafficking, and the provision of protection to local businesses.

At the center of the case is a former sub-inspector from the Mykonos Police Department, who is accused of leading the criminal group between 2022 and 2025. The indictment alleges the officer used access to official data to facilitate drug trafficking and serve private interests.

Businessman Angelos Giannakopoulos, referred to in files as “Mr. Choriatiko,” was absent from the proceedings. He faces charges of bribing a public official, allegedly paying at least 300 euros monthly for confidential information, such as vehicle owner details, and warnings regarding unannounced police inspections at a nightclub he managed. He is also accused of offering 3,000 euros to facilitate a transfer that would allow the officer to remain on Mykonos.

The case also involves police sergeants accused of assisting in drug trafficking and a narcotics officer from Attica, who is alleged to have diverted undeclared quantities of seized drugs to an informant for resale.