Cigarette Smuggling Ring Dismantled – Millions of Euros in Profits

Greek Police have dismantled one of the largest cigarette smuggling rings in Greece, with estimated profits of tens of millions of euros. At least 25 people were arrested in various regions of the country as part of a major operation.

Among those arrested are two brothers of Ukrainian descent, believed to be the ringleaders. According to authorities, the ring produced approximately one thousand boxes of cigarettes weekly.

Searches uncovered 10 production and storage sites, as well as approximately 800,000 euros in cash, weapons, mobile phones, and luxury vehicles. The illegal cigarette factory was located in the Avlona area, on a site formerly used as a livestock unit.

Police sources report that the ring, mainly composed of expatriates from the former Soviet Union, had become independent from the Russian-speaking mafia and was operating competitively. The coordination center of the ring was located in the Liosia area.

During the operation, 19 people were arrested in Attica and 6 in Viotia. Authorities have seized weapons, vehicles, handwritten notes, and mobile phones, which are being examined to fully reveal the action and connections of the criminal organization.