The initial crackdown

A major police operation on 2 September 2025 in Chania led to 49 arrests and a case file against 90 individuals for offences including drug and arms trafficking, extortion, arson and beatings across Crete. Several leading members of the multi-layered network were remanded in custody after the sweep.

The investigation widens

In the months after the dismantling, citizens who claimed to have been victims of the group’s extortion or other crimes came forward, giving fresh momentum to the inquiry. On 25 July 2026, the Chania Crime Investigation and Detection Sub-Directorate announced that a further 20 people had been identified as members of the same network. The new suspects include three police officers, a forensic pathologist, a toxicology professor and administrative personnel of public bodies.

“In organised crime there is not only the tip of the iceberg. Under the surface there is often a network of synergies and interests extending far beyond those directly involved.”

The investigation now stretches far beyond drug and weapons trafficking. The updated case file includes extortion, bribery, arson, assaults, interference in public services and the issuing of false scientific opinions.

Penetration of the state

Police chiefs said the organisation had managed to penetrate critical state structures and law enforcement agencies. The three officers are accused, in varying degrees, of feeding information and cover to network members. One officer allegedly tasked a gang member with settling personal scores, including through physical assaults on third parties. Another is suspected of handing over drugs directly to a member of the group.

Brigadier Kanellos Nikolaou, director of the Chania Police Directorate, described how the initial investigation had revealed that the separate sub-groups did not operate independently. Their leaders worked together as “communicating vessels”, pursuing a single goal of illegal financial gain. The continuing probe confirmed that the sub-groups received and carried out orders as a unified entity. At least 357 drug transactions were documented.

Fake science for sale

The forensic pathologist and the toxicologist have been referred to prosecutorial and investigating authorities on eight felony charges. According to police, they issued or attempted to issue scientifically unsupported or outright false reports and expert opinions in order to alter the procedural standing of third parties in exchange for illicit payments.

“The law applies equally for all, no position offers immunity, and the Police stands by the citizen with consistency and determination.”

A police spokesman, Major General Georgios Doukis, publicly congratulated the Chania force for what he called a professional and methodical investigation that honoured the Hellenic Police and reinforced public trust.