Greek police dismantle loan‑shark ring in Thessaloniki, four arrested

The Hellenic Police’s Economic Crime Unit broke up a loan‑shark organization in Thessaloniki, arresting four of the five alleged members. One of the two identified leaders was taken into custody, while the second leader remains at large and is being sought.

Investigators say the group, active since at least June 2022, offered high‑interest loans that far exceeded legal limits, extended repayment deadlines unilaterally, imposed additional fees, and used threats and extortion to collect inflated sums. They also engaged in money‑laundering activities, moving funds between personal bank accounts, making deposits to obscure the illicit origin of the money, and acquiring assets such as vehicles without clear financing justification. Charges include formation and direction of a criminal organization, loan‑sharking, extortion, money‑laundering, and violations of sports and pharmaceutical legislation.