A huge stash of illicit tobacco products was uncovered by the police’s Organized Crime division of Northern Greece on Friday, in a raid that led to the arrest of two men believed to be the ring leaders.
The two suspects, aged 52 and 41, were charged on suspicion of forming a criminal organization, excise duty evasion, and violation of laws on weapons.
Police searched three premises in Aspropyrgos, western Attica, and Vari, east of Athens, where officers identified and seized 240,000 illicit cigarettes in 18,301 packs, 2,025 packs of 50-gram tobacco, three vehicles, the sum of 945 euros, three mobile phones, as well as handwritten notes that are being examined.
The total haul was worth around €1 million in lost duty and taxes.
The investigation revealed that the 41-year-old was responsible for the storage of the smuggled tobacco products in two houses in Aspropyrgos, while supplying his 52-year-old accomplice. For his part, the 52-year-old allegedly distributed the products to a network of customers, covering areas of Attica and Northern Greece, securing significant illegal profits.
Authorities said the gang was active since March 2025. Investigations are ongoing.
