Millions in Revenue and Two “Bosses” at the Top
The organization is believed to have generated a total revenue of nearly €3 million, with about €1.1 million coming from drug trafficking alone. The remaining €1.5 million reportedly came from real estate transactions, involving plots of land that allegedly belonged to the Church.
As expected, the lion’s share of the profits went to two brothers – prominent businessmen in Crete – who are considered the ringleaders of the criminal network. Their display of wealth and power is evident in a luxury hotel outside Chania, featuring a high-walled compound, private bridges connecting buildings, and a Poseidon statue overlooking the pool.
Undercover Operation Straight Out of a Spy Movie
The bust was the result of a highly confidential police operation, involving two undercover officers who arrived in Crete under the guise of working in a local restaurant.
With the approval of the Chania Prosecutor’s Office, the officers successfully infiltrated the gang and gradually gained the trust of its members – who, believing they were speaking freely, revealed critical information that was immediately shared with the Chania police.
Briefings were conducted in remote locations, always at night, maintaining total secrecy – a strategy that gave the operation a spy-thriller dimension.
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Church Land Deals and Targeting the Archbishop’s Seat
One of the most disturbing revelations concerns dozens of authorization forms and sworn declarations found in the home of one of the alleged bosses. These are believed to be connected to a scheme where the gang obtained valuable Church-owned land under pressure, either to resell it at a massive profit or to exploit it for their own business interests.
Investigators also discovered extensive phone recordings revealing the group’s unusual interest in who would become the next Metropolitan of Crete. The suspects allegedly tried to sway the decision in favor of a priest they supported, using influential intermediaries inside the Church.
Seizures and Arrests
During the raids, police seized:
- Large amounts of cash
- Weapons, including military-grade firearms
- Ammunition
- Drugs
- Mobile phones
The first suspects were brought before the investigating judge today (5:30 PM), as the investigation continues and more names may surface.
This case shows how the toxic combination of drugs, money laundering, and influence peddling can create a dangerous parallel power structure – even in tightly-knit local communities like Crete.
Source: pagenews.gr