Cinematic robbery solved: Jewelry worth 310,000 euros stolen from salesman in Katerini

Authorities in Katerini, Greece, have cracked a complex case involving a brazen robbery and attempted murder targeting a professional jewelry salesman. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 29, 2026, in the Pieria region, has led to charges against nine individuals.

Five Greek men are facing serious accusations, including involvement in a criminal organization, robbery, attempted murder, arson, and forgery. Police investigations, conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Organized Crime Unit of Northern Greece, revealed that these five men had formed a criminal group between December 2025 and February 2026. Each member had a distinct role, aiming to systematically carry out thefts for significant illegal financial gain.

On the night of the robbery, the perpetrators used a vehicle with forged license plates. They exploited a brief stop by the victim at a gas station. One of the assailants entered the jewelry salesman's vehicle and drove off with it. When the victim attempted to stop them by clinging to the moving vehicle's window, the driver deliberately crashed into a stationary car. This action caused the salesman to fall onto the road, sustaining injuries.

The stolen vehicle was later found burned in a Pieria location. Inside, the perpetrators had removed jewelry valued at 310,000 euros, along with 1,500 euros in cash, a tablet, and a mobile phone. Further investigation determined that the stolen jewelry was handed over to a Greek man, who, with the assistance of a woman, arranged for its sale in a foreign country. Upon their return to Greece, the woman via land borders and the man by air, authorities seized cash amounts totaling 256,270 euros and 11,315 Turkish Lira.