The most sophisticated network for the illegal provision of pay-TV network ever identified in Greece was dismantled by the Department for Combating Organized Crime Unit of Crete of the DAOE.

The organization’s illegal profits amount to at least 7 million euros, while the total damage to legitimate companies in the sector is estimated at the astronomical sum of 50 million euros, with the customer base exceeding 80,000 subscribers.

The authorities’ “trick” involving undercover operations

To dismantle the criminal organization, which is the Greek branch of a broader pan-European network, police officers employed the method of “undercover infiltration.” Following a relevant court order, the officers posed as prospective clients.

For two months, the police officers maintained open communication with the ring members, receiving instructions on how to install the illegal software on their televisions, as well as on payment methods.

However, accessing the “cracked” software was no easy task. The organization’s members took strict self-protection measures and thoroughly vetted interested parties. Verification of customer information and guarantees of payment were non-negotiable conditions for the provision of the illegal codes.

Cryptocurrencies, 58 foreign accounts, and a lavish lifestyle

The ring’s money-laundering activities were carried out through:

  • Instant money transfer services
  • Digital wallets (e-wallets)
  • Cryptocurrencies

By tracking the “flow of money,” authorities determined that the organization’s members lived a life of absolute opulence, taking luxurious vacations on the Aegean islands. To launder their “black” income, they had purchased vehicles as well as at least two properties in Athens and Agrinio.

At the same time, to avoid having large sums of money traced back to them, they had spread their profits across at least 58 bank accounts abroad (Lithuania, Bulgaria, Malta, Luxembourg, and Skopje), with the exact amount of the deposits still under investigation.

Dozens involved in the case

So far, authorities in Crete have made 7 arrests, while the massive case file that has been compiled includes 76 additional individuals. Investigations are continuing in cooperation with international authorities to fully map out the network.