Greek police dismantle organized car theft rings

Greek authorities have conducted major operations against organized crime rings specializing in vehicle theft and the illegal trade of parts. In an operation led by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime in Attica on February 10, 2026, eight individuals were arrested. Police resolved 74 vehicle thefts and two attempted thefts, with illegal profits estimated at over 1.5 million euros. Seized items included 36 stolen cars, 13 hybrid batteries, vehicle control units, and various other components.

A subsequent operation in Attica on June 15, 2026, led to the arrest of 13 members of another organization involved in stealing vehicles and reselling them with falsified documents.

Reports indicate that older Smart Fortwo models, specifically those from the 1998–2007 and 2007–2014 generations, are frequent targets due to high demand for used spare parts. Thieves often target specific components such as steering wheels, airbags, and body parts, sometimes leaving the original vehicle behind but heavily damaged.