In Greece, the leader of a gang that blew up ATMs was detained: the loot exceeded €440,000

Suspect detained in Greece leader of a gang that blew up ATMs. According to ΕΛ.ΑΣthe group was involved in 9 attacks on ATM, and the production exceeded €440,000.

The arrest took place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after an operation by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and the Property Crimes Unit. According to TheTOCwe are talking about a person whom the investigation considers to be the leader of a group that specialized in ATM explosions and car thefts.

There was already a warrant against the detainee for a whole range of serious charges: creation of a criminal organization, attempted murder, explosions, thefts, forgery of documents, violation of laws on weapons, explosives and ammunition.

How the group operated

According to the investigation, the organization began operating at least in February 2025. Its participants chose ATMs in provincial areas, often located near bank branches, supermarkets and commercial premises, where there are fewer people at night and it is easier to organize an escape.

ATM explosions, car thefts and shooting at police: how the ATM gang operated pic.twitter.com/T4x4HF5LtE

— Athens News (@russianathens) July 8, 2026

ATM gang in Greece: 9 explosions, stolen cars and more than €440,000 in loot pic.twitter.com/jUq1iXCRPL

— Athens News (@russianathens) July 8, 2026

In Greece, the leader of a gang that blew up ATMs was detained: the loot exceeded €440,000 pic.twitter.com/w9p9eBgYgT

— Athens News (@russianathens) July 8, 2026

Before the attacks, police say the criminals stole cars in Attica and used them as “operational” vehicles to travel to targets. After that, they opened the elements of the ATM, used explosives and tried to get to the cash cassettes. Details of the scheme are given TheTOC.

The technical details here are best left to the police and experts. It is enough for the reader to understand the main thing: these were not random raids “for luck”, but prepared night attacks with vehicles, tools, camouflage and the expectation of a quick retreat. The romance of the underworld, as usual, ends with the criminal code and surveillance video.

9 ATM explosions and production of more than €440,000

According to Greek media, ΕΛ.ΑΣ has already revealed 9 cases of ATM explosionsof which two remained at the attempt stage. The investigation also links the group to 3 car thefts, 2 license plate theftstheft of fire extinguishers and toll road transponders.

During the searches, two cars believed to have been used in criminal activity, €300 in cash, a drone, SIM cards, mobile phones, burglary tools and 26 grams of cannabis were seized. This is reported, among other things, by Thriassio.gr.

The group’s total production, according to investigators, exceeded €440,000. That is, we are not talking about a couple of nightly attempts to open an ATM, but about a series of organized attacks. Apparently, regular work seemed too boring, and people chose a career path with sirens, explosions and a prosecutor. A solid plan, that’s all.

Argolis: explosion in Fichtia and attempt without production

One of the episodes that the media is now paying attention to took place in Fichtia in the municipality of Argos-Mycenae. According to Zouglaon the morning of June 2, 2026, unknown persons blew up an ATM in the central part of the village. The explosion was powerful, damaging the ATM itself and the surrounding object, but the criminals were unable to get to the money and left empty-handed.

A similar picture was described by Kathimerini: The alarm was received shortly after 4:00 am, after which police forces rushed to the scene and the attackers fled without loot.

This episode is important not only as a separate attack, but also as part of a general scheme: a provincial location, night time, an attempt to quickly disable an ATM and leave before the police arrive. Sometimes the scheme brought money, sometimes only destruction, noise and another file in a criminal case.

Killiney and other blows

Another episode is connected with Killini. According to Zouglathere was also an ATM explosion there. Such attacks show why the group chose the periphery: less police presence, more time to retreat and convenient escape routes.

The investigation is also examining the possible connection of the group with other similar attacks. Thriassio.gr writes that the authorities are checking the connection with the ATM attack in Eritres, where an ATM was installed in a supermarket, as well as with the attack in Oinofita.

Shooting at police

A separate severe episode dates back to July 2025. According to investigators, after the attack on an ATM in Argolis, members of the group opened fire on ΟΠΚΕ employees, trying to escape persecution.

That is why the case goes far beyond property crimes. The materials include not only explosions, thefts and forged documents, but also accusations related to threats to the lives of police officers. When a gang not only breaks ATMs, but is ready to shoot when detained, these are no longer “night thieves”, but an armed, organized group.

Athens News previously wrote that bombing ATMs has long been a persistent criminal method in Greece and Europe: criminals count on quick access to cash cassettes, but at the same time create a serious risk for residents, buildings and passers-by. They blew up ATMs just like in the textbook.

Main conclusion

The arrest of the alleged ringleader does not mean the end of the investigation. Police continue to look for possible accomplices and check the group’s connection with other attacks on ATMs in different regions of the country.

The case shows that ATM explosions in Greece have long ceased to be isolated episodes. This is an organized crime business involving stolen cars, target reconnaissance, disguises, weapons and attempts to evade digital traces. And an ATM standing at night near a supermarket or in a village square turns for such groups into a cash register with a timer: if they are in time, they will take the money; if they are not in time, they will leave behind a torn-up façade and frightened residents.

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