Greece has unveiled a new “FBI-style” police unit in a bold effort to crack down on escalating organised crime across the country. The initiative follows a series of high-profile gangland killings and other violent incidents that have left the public and authorities concerned. Speaking on state radio this week, Police Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis emphasised the critical need for this specialised unit, designed to target a range of criminal activities including drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and black market operations.
A Comprehensive Response to Growing Crime
The creation of this unit marks a significant shift in how Greece addresses its criminal underworld. Over the past two years, the country has witnessed a string of violent acts tied to mob activity, including high-profile murders and violent clashes between rival groups. According to Chrysochoidis, Greek society is in urgent need of a force capable of tackling these sophisticated criminal networks, which are believed to generate vast sums of money through illegal activities.
“The scale of violence and the economic stakes involved necessitate a dedicated response,” Chrysochoidis explained during his interview with Proto Programma. “This new service is not only designed to bring down criminal organisations but also to safeguard the general public from an increasingly dangerous environment.”
Structure of the “Greek FBI”
With approximately 1,000 officers, the new unit has been modelled after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States, an organisation renowned for its expertise in combating organised crime. The Greek version has absorbed several of the country’s pre-existing police directorates, including those focused on economic crime, narcotics, human trafficking, hooliganism, and mob activity. This consolidation is expected to create a more streamlined and effective force, capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by criminal enterprises.
Dubbed “the Greek FBI” by Chrysochoidis back in July, the unit aims to not only prevent criminal activity but also investigate and dismantle existing crime syndicates, whose violent tactics often play out in public spaces.
High-Profile Murders Shock the Nation
Recent months have seen a troubling rise in gangland violence, with a number of killings taking place in broad daylight. In one particularly shocking incident in July, a well-known topographer was shot dead in his car near a busy street in Athens, with authorities linking the murder to ongoing disputes over lucrative real estate on the glamorous island of Mykonos.
These acts of violence have raised concerns that Greece is becoming a battleground for criminal groups vying for control over key sectors, such as real estate and narcotics. The brazen nature of the killings has also heightened public fear, underscoring the need for a more robust police presence.
International Embarrassment Fuels Reforms
The need for such reforms became even more evident last year, when Greek police were left red-faced after failing to stop a group of Dinamo Zagreb hooligans from crossing the country and engaging in a violent clash with AEK Athens fans in the capital. The incident, which left one AEK fan dead, exposed significant gaps in the country’s policing strategy and highlighted the urgent need for better coordination and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
This tragic event remains unsolved, as does the murder of prominent crime reporter Giorgos Karaivaz, who was gunned down outside his home in 2021. In a further blow to law enforcement, two men arrested for the reporter’s killing were acquitted earlier this year due to insufficient evidence.
A New Era for Greek Policing?
The establishment of the “Greek FBI” marks a new chapter in Greece’s battle against organised crime. While the unit’s creation has been met with optimism, it also faces significant challenges. Criminal networks in Greece are deeply entrenched and have demonstrated their ability to evade law enforcement. Nonetheless, the new unit is seen as a critical step in restoring public confidence and maintaining the rule of law in the country.
With its focus on combatting a wide range of illegal activities, from drug trafficking to extortion, the success of the “Greek FBI” could set a precedent for policing in the region, demonstrating how modern law enforcement can adapt to meet the evolving threat of organised crime.
