Police uncovered an organized network of copper thefts at ΔΕΔΔΗΕ in Karditsa and Larissa. 25 people were detained in the case, the damage is estimated at 3 million euros.
An organized network involved in the theft of copper from infrastructure fell into the hands of the Greek police ΔΕΔΔΗΕ in rural areas Karditsy And Larisa.
According to Greek Police (ΕΛ.ΑΣ.)the group’s activities continued from 2024 and until recently. As a result of a major police operation, they were detained 25 peoplemore 4 participants installed.
561 thefts and millions in damage
The investigation believes that network participants stole copper from transformers and cables ΔΕΔΔΗΕcausing significant damage to the electrical grid infrastructure.
In total, the case involves 561 episodes of theft. General damage for ΔΕΔΔΗΕ is estimated at approximately 3 million euroswhile the illegal profits of the participants in the scheme reached about 890.000 euros.
The detainees were brought to the prosecutor Karditsy. They are charged with participating in criminal organization and committing skilled thefts.
Impact on rural areas
Copper theft from transformers and cable lines involves more than just property damage. In rural areas, such actions can lead to power outages, problems for farms, pumping systems, warehouses and local infrastructure.
For regions where there are already enough problems with production, transport and energy costs, such crimes turn into another blow to normal life.
The investigation is ongoing. The police are trying to fully establish the structure of the network, possible accomplices and distribution channels for the stolen copper.
Editorial comment
Copper theft is a type of crime that at first glance seems almost everyday: someone removed a cable, someone dismantled a transformer, someone handed over the metal. But behind this “trifle” there is a completely organized economy.
If we are talking about 561 episodes and damage in 3 million eurosthese are no longer random night forays, but a sustainable scheme with logistics, sales and an understanding of where to steal, how to take it out and to whom to sell it.
It is especially cynical that the blow is being dealt to the infrastructure on which ordinary residents and rural areas depend. The thieves make a profit, and in the end everyone pays the bill: through repairs, interruptions, fear, additional costs and degradation of local security.
Such stories again show how vulnerable the basic infrastructure in the Greek province is. You can talk as much as you like about digitalization and modernization, but if transformers and cable networks remain easy prey for organized groups, all the beautiful rhetoric begins to sound a little decorative.
PS This “business” is mainly carried out by local gypsies. But buying copper…
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