Ilia: Suspect Arrested in Burglary Case Involving 10 Thefts and €50,000 in Loot

Police in Ilia arrested a man they say belonged to a criminal group involved in burglaries and home thefts across the region. Officers detained him on Saturday night in the municipality of Andravida-Kyllini when he went to collect a stolen car allegedly used by the group.

The arrest involved officers from the Ilia Department for the Prosecution and Investigation of Crimes, with support from specialist police units in Pyrgos and the Ilia police directorate. Police said the suspect resisted and attacked officers as he tried to avoid arrest.

Prosecutors filed a felony case alleging participation in a criminal organization, aggravated theft committed jointly, money laundering from criminal activity, and violence against public officials and judicial personnel. Investigators said evidence, including video footage, indicated that the group had been operating since at least August 2026 to carry out thefts in different parts of Ilia.

Police have solved 10 cases: eight home burglaries, one car theft and one theft of state license plates. The reported cash losses total €21,850, while the value of jewelry, valuables and tools stolen or seized is estimated at about €28,000.

Investigators said the group had also stolen a car from Piraeus and used it to approach targets and escape. The burglars allegedly operated in an organized manner, mainly during morning and afternoon hours, targeting homes in Lechaina, Varda, Manolada and the municipality of Andravida-Kyllini.

Police found the stolen vehicle hidden in a wooded area and placed it under discreet surveillance. When the suspect arrived, officers intervened. They found burglary tools and stolen items in the car and nearby. The items were identified and returned to their legal owners.