# Greek organized crime law enforcement efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-organized-crime-law-enforcement-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-01T13:25:24.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3.

Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis previously announced that organized crime in the country has been “nearly decimated,” reporting the dismantling of over 270 criminal organizations. 

In response to inquiries from the Greek Left Coalition (ELAS), the Hellenic Police Headquarters provided updated data on the Organized Crime Countermeasures Directorate (DAOE). Since its inception on October 21, 2024, the DAOE has investigated 1,361 cases of serious and organized crime through August 17, 2026. These investigations led to charges against 5,084 individuals, 2,959 arrests, and 756 people being held in custody. The agency reported dismantling 238 criminal organizations, 18 of which were primarily involved in crimes against life, such as murder and extortion.

Regarding homicide investigations, police clarified that 20 out of 28 homicide and attempted homicide cases linked to organized crime have been solved. The homicide clearance rate rose from 46.55% in 2020 to 100% in 2025, with a rate of 94.64% recorded during the first seven months of 2026. 

Recent high-profile enforcement actions include the arrest of a 68-year-old foreign national in Komotini identified as a ‘Vor V Zakone’ or ‘Thief in Law,’ a high-ranking member of Russian-speaking organized crime. Officers seized a pistol, a hand grenade, a detonator, and a metal saber during the operation. Additionally, in the Lamia area, police apprehended a 66-year-old man following a manhunt. The individual faced outstanding judicial decisions totaling 120 years in prison for financial crimes, including forgery, tax evasion, and fraud dating back to 2011.

## Claims

- 20 out of 28 homicide and attempted homicide cases related to organized crime have been solved. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Organized Crime Countermeasures Directorate (DAOE) has investigated 1,361 serious and organized crime cases since its operation began on October 21, 2024. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Greek police arrest high-ranking organized crime figures

Greek police arrested a high-ranking ‘Thief in Law’ in Komotini with weapons and a 66-year-old man in Lamia facing 120 years of cumulative sentences for financial crimes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamia-police-arrest-fugitive-facing-120-years-for-financial-crimes

### 2026-08-28: Hellenic Police report 20 of 28 organized crime homicides solved

The Hellenic Police reported that 20 of 28 organized crime-related homicides have been solved, noting that their specialized directorate has investigated 1,361 cases since October 2024.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hellenic-police-report-20-of-28-organized-crime-homicides-solved

### 2026-08-25: Michalis Chrysochoidis claims Greek organized crime is nearly decimated

Greek Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced the dismantling of over 270 criminal organizations and stated that organized crime in Greece has been nearly decimated.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michalis-chrysochoidis-claims-greek-organized-crime-is-nearly-decimated

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Cite as: Greek organized crime law enforcement efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-organized-crime-law-enforcement-efforts