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🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Crete "Empire of Fear": Criminal Group Dismantled, Accused of Extortion and Arson

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Authorities in Crete have dismantled a criminal organization allegedly operating with mafia-like tactics, creating an "empire of fear."
  • The group is accused of threats, extortion, arson, property destruction, and illegally obtaining over half a million euros in subsidies.
  • Several individuals, including family members, have been arrested, but the accused deny the charges.

The island of Crete is reeling from revelations about a criminal organization that allegedly operated with mafia-like methods, establishing an "empire of fear" in the Mesara and Vorizia regions. Police have arrested several individuals, including family members, who are accused of a string of crimes including threats, extortion, arson, and property destruction. The group is also alleged to have illegally obtained over half a million euros in subsidies from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF).

They were doing 'thuggery' in Amari, they had burned cars, they had destroyed olive groves, they had burned vineyards, they had created panic.

· Local residentDescribing the alleged actions of the criminal group in the Amari region.

Residents have described a climate of intimidation, with accounts of burned cars, destroyed olive groves, and widespread panic. One resident recounted how the group allegedly engaged in "thuggery" in the Amari region, causing significant fear. The organization is said to have operated as a "state within a state" for four years, despite numerous complaints. Even after arrests, more than 40 victims reportedly live in fear of retaliation.

A state within a state in Crete.

· AuthoritiesDescribing the alleged operational methods of the criminal organization.

The accused, who deny the charges, claim that the land used for subsidies was leased. However, authorities allege that those who refused to cooperate faced severe consequences, including property damage and arson. In one instance, the group allegedly opened fire on police officers who were attempting to apprehend them for cattle theft approximately two months prior to their recent arrests.

Now that I have my children and my family, will I dare to confront them?

· Local residentExpressing the fear of retaliation that prevents victims from coming forward.

This case highlights a disturbing level of organized crime and intimidation within a rural community. The alleged actions of this group not only caused immense fear and financial loss to victims but also undermined the rule of law. The fact that the accused deny the charges and claim to have evidence of legitimate land leases suggests a complex legal battle ahead. The situation underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating deeply entrenched criminal networks, particularly in areas where fear and a sense of impunity may prevail.

A month and a half ago, they were caught for cattle theft and they attacked the police officers and beat them up.

· Local residentRecounting an incident where the group allegedly clashed with police.
About this summary

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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