The activities of a gang dealing with contraband cigarettes caused the Greek state one billion euros in damages over the last eight years.The apparently well-organized gang “invested” the profits from the illegal trade not only in properties but also in vessels including tankers.
Anti-Money Laundering Authorities uncovered the criminals last February and have meanwhile proceeded to the confiscation of properties and assets that included also vessels and tankers.
By order of the head of the Authority, seized were:
- 42 properties throughout Greece and especially in the Cyclades islands, including a hotel unit, villas, maisonettes
- a factory in Aspropyrgos, western Attica, where smuggled cigarettes were processed
- 76 vessels, including 3 tankers (two transporting containers and one transporting oil) and two commercial ones which were offered for rent
- 26 cars, most of them luxury (Porsche, Land Rover, etc.), trucks, trailers, caravans, etc.
Seized were also several bank accounts.
The case involves 38 natural persons, some of whom have already been remanded in custody, and 21 legal entities in the form of Societes Anonymes, Ltd., shipping companies, etc.
Among those arrested are two brothers with the code names “President” and “Putin” who are alleged to be the masterminds of the ring.
At least 4 individuals linked to a family are alleged to have played a leading role, while the rest acted as their accomplices.
The laundering of dirty money was done through “ghost” companies, virtual invoices, false certificates and other illegal documents.
The head of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority sent the 130-page report he compiled to the Prosecutor’s Office for further actions.
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Much of the property price disaster of London is linked, directly or indirectly, with organised crime and foreign businesses that are “shell” companies set up to launder money. I do not know, and I speak frankly here, if our politicians are just plain stupid or actually very dirty indeed. Most of Europe, plus North America and Australasia, has got into a horrible mess with their property markets and out-of-control prices, and lack of oversight in handing over control of that market to foreigners.