Greek police have dismantled an organised criminal group in Crete accused of orchestrating livestock thefts, extortion and a long-running scheme to fraudulently obtain European Union agricultural subsidies. The operation, led by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE), took place on Monday, July 27, across several locations in Crete. Officers from the Special Counter-Terrorist Unit (TEKAM) of Crete, the Crime Prevention and Suppression Unit (OPKE) of Heraklion Police, and Rapid Intervention Units (TAE) from Heraklion and Lasithi participated in the coordinated raids.
Authorities arrested eight people, including four alleged members of the criminal organisation. The suspected core members are aged 47, 34, 30 and 19. Police also arrested three men aged 69, 49 and 45, along with a 36-year-old woman, on separate offences uncovered during the investigation, including electricity theft, weapons offences, false declarations, livestock theft, animal cruelty and animal welfare violations.
Police said the 34-year-old also resisted arrest and allegedly assaulted officers before they restrained him. Sophisticated livestock theft operation Following a months-long investigation, police concluded that the organisation developed a systematic method for stealing livestock while taking extensive measures to avoid detection. Investigators said members selected target flocks after gathering intelligence on farm locations, security measures and owners’ routines.
They then conducted surveillance before stealing the animals either on foot or by vehicle, transporting them to secure locations before selling them to third parties or incorporating them into their own herds. According to police, the operation concluded with the slaughter of the stolen sheep and goats before the meat entered the commercial market. Authorities identified the 47-year-old suspect as the group’s leader, responsible for planning operations, selecting targets, coordinating members and arranging the sale or distribution of stolen livestock.
Police also allege a 69-year-old suspect assisted during various stages of the criminal activities. Investigators have so far linked the organisation to four aggravated livestock thefts and one attempted theft between February and June 2026. They allege the group stole at least 182 sheep and goats, along with a milking machine, causing estimated losses of €43,…
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