November 10, 2025

Athens News

News in English from Greece

“Hugged – and you are without a chain”: EΛΑΣ publishes data of a suspect in a series of thefts in Piraeus


By order of the Piraeus Prosecutor’s Office, EΛΑΣ published the name and photographs of a 37-year-old member of an organized group that operated in the wider region Piraeususing the so-called “Hug Method” for Stealing Gold Chains and Other Jewelry.

Who is wanted

Eleni Kalea (father – Ioannis, mother – Ekaterini), date of birth: 04/16/1988place of birth – Athens. In her regard already criminal prosecution initiated under articles on participation in an organization for the purpose of committing serious crimes, qualified theft (by prior agreement, professionally, repeatedly) and robbery.

How the scheme worked

  1. Rapprochement: a “warm” greeting, an intrusive hug, or feigned “concern.”
  2. Abstraction: short conversation, physical contact, change of position.
  3. Removing decoration: a gold chain or other item was quietly removed with a quick movement.
  4. Departure: instant severance of contact and departure, sometimes with the cover of accomplices.

Why was the data published?

According to the prosecutor’s resolution, the publication is aimed at identification of all episodespreventing threats to public safety and protection of citizens from similar offences. Police are awaiting responses from potential victims and witnesses.

Where to report information

Citizens are asked to call:
210-4178715 (Piraeus Crime Detection Unit)
210-6411111 (Attica Crime Investigation Department)
Anonymity and confidentiality of the message are guaranteed.

What should victims do?

  1. Straightaway contact the police and submit an application, indicating the place, time, description of actions and signs.
  2. Provide photo/video from surveillance cameras, car recorders, mobile phones (if available).
  3. Describe the stolen items: type, length, sample, distinctive elements, estimated value.
  4. Report whether there were witnesses and in which direction the attackers fled.

How to avoid getting caught in hugs

  • Avoid unwanted physical contact with strangers.
  • Wear jewelry in such a way that it is it was difficult to break (under clothing, with a snap on the back of the neck).
  • Hold distanceespecially if a person actively reduces it for no reason.
  • Be careful in places crowds of people and at transport hubs.

If you identify the person involved or have information that will help the investigation, contact EΛΑΣ. The more complete the picture of the episodes, the higher the chance of returning the stolen property and stopping such actions.



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