Police put robbery gang networks in their crosshairs

More than 600 police officers and 37 judicial officials are involved in a nationwide operation to disband two major criminal organizations that have been linked to dozens of robbery gangs active across the country, police revealed on Wednesday.

The two organizations are believed to be connected and headed by well-known figures of the Roma community, with investigations focusing on 10 key suspects.

The suspects are said to live in luxurious villas and drive expensive cars while claiming to be unemployed. Their base of operations is thought to be in Western Attica, though they control gangs that conduct robberies and break-ins all over the country.

Over 30 suspects had been arrested in total by Wednesday night, as the operation continues with raids on properties and businesses, which have already turned up thousands of euros in cash, dozens of luxury cars, jewelry and weapons.