Greek authorities have arrested 16 people and seized weapons and drugs in a targeted operation aimed at dismantling Turkish criminal groups operating in the country.
This move, reported on December 11, highlights the growing concern over the rise of Turkish gangs in Greece in recent years.
Greek police have observed a spike in shootings and arrests involving Turkish nationals, many of whom are suspected gang members fleeing crackdowns in Turkey. A recent incident in southern Athens saw two Turkish nationals killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting, likely linked to gang conflicts.
In November, Greek authorities dismantled a major Turkish drug trafficking network, and in June, a 22-year-old Turkish man was arrested after allegedly killing one person and wounding another in a violent incident in Piraeus. The weapons and drugs seized in the latest operation demonstrate the scale of the threat posed by these gangs.
Police believe the influx of Turkish gang members into Greece is partly due to intensified crackdowns in Turkey, forcing many to relocate. The rise in violent incidents has sparked alarm, particularly in Athens, where local residents have expressed growing concerns over escalating violence.
In response, Greek authorities have stepped up operations targeting organized crime, focusing on both arrests and dismantling the gangs’ financial and logistical networks. They are also exploring increased international cooperation to address the cross-border nature of these criminal groups.
Despite the success of the recent operation, officials have acknowledged that the challenge remains substantial and have called for more resources to combat the ongoing threat. As investigations continue, authorities are on high alert for further violence.
