Crete police dismantle livestock theft criminal gang

Greek police have dismantled a criminal organization responsible for systematic livestock and bell thefts in the Lasithi region of Crete. Following a multi-month investigation by the Crete Organized Crime Unit, five individuals aged 22 to 50 were arrested.

The group is accused of operating for at least five years, targeting farms and herds by conducting surveillance and planning specific routes for approaching sites and removing animals. The charges against the suspects include membership in a criminal organization, professional livestock theft, aggravated theft, weapons law violations, and subsidy fraud. Five additional individuals are also named in the investigation.