Crete opens new Organized Crime Sub-Directorate

A new Sub-Directorate for Combating Organized Crime has been inaugurated in the Archanes-Asterousia municipality of Crete. The facility, located in a former primary school, aims to strengthen the fight against criminal networks involved in illegal activities such as narcotics and murder.

During the inauguration, Deputy Minister for Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysokoidis addressed local customs, stating that practices like 'sasmos' (ritualistic blood feuds) are not traditions but crimes committed by organized groups that disrupt social peace. He emphasized that such behaviors are unacceptable and undermine the social contract.

The new director, Manolis Pipperekis, stated that the unit's mission is to eliminate any sense of insecurity by targeting those who threaten public safety. Local police unions have also attended the opening, calling for increased staffing and resources to ensure the new directorate has the operational capacity to meet its mission.