In the large-scale, island-wide operation “Plegma,” which led to 26 arrests and the seizure of assets and cash totaling €750,000, was discussed by Christos Andreou, head of the Organized Crime Directorate (DAOE). Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, he explained how the operation was organized, emphasizing that police investigations are ongoing.
As he noted, the case dates back to February 2026, when the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN) seized over 230 kilograms of drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, as well as weapons and explosives. Five individuals were arrested in connection with the initial case and remain on trial, while the subsequent investigations led to the securing of testimony implicating additional suspects. “Over all these months, we have continued our investigation and obtained testimony implicating even more individuals, and yesterday, following a coordinated operation, we proceeded to arrest 26 people,” he noted.
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Read more: Operation “PLEGMA” with 26 arrests: Police raids on homes and prison cells, as well as searches of vehicles (PHOTOS)
Referring to the operational planning, Mr. Andreou explained that at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, arrest and search warrants were executed at 27 locations across four districts and at the Central Prison. The operation was coordinated by the DAOE, with assistance from the MMAD at high-risk locations to ensure the safety of police officers. This is the Directorate’s first major operation since its official establishment on October 12. “The purpose of our agency, the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, is to dismantle the criminal groups we identify in each case,” he emphasized.
Regarding the progress of the investigations, he clarified that four of the arrested individuals were brought before a court and remanded in custody for five days, as investigative work remains pending. As for the others, he explained that their arrest and questioning were necessary in order to cross-examine them regarding the testimony the authorities had obtained. At the same time, the searches uncovered a pistol, ammunition, a hunting rifle, and more than 1,000 dangerous items, such as firecrackers and fireworks, leading to separate cases being opened against other individuals.
The head of the DAOE placed particular emphasis on the financial aspect of the operation, noting that, in cooperation with MOKAS, court orders were secured to freeze assets and funds totaling €750,000. Financial investigations are a key tool for combating criminal networks and investigating money laundering offenses. “We’re not stopping here; we’re continuing. And most importantly, we’re following the money,” he noted, adding: “On the one hand, we seize illegal items, and on the other, we secure and freeze funds and assets that appear to have been acquired through these illegal activities.”
Finally, Mr. Andreou clarified that, despite the fact that individuals currently in prison are also involved in the case, most of them were neither convicted nor on trial during the period covered by the telecommunications data that was examined. At the same time, he revealed that the DAOE is investigating other organized crime cases, emphasizing that relevant announcements will be made once the necessary investigative work is completed. “There are also some cases currently under investigation that involve organized crime,” he said, noting that the Directorate will inform the public when it is ready to proceed with arrests or other actions.
