Greek Police Uncover Brothel Protection Racket

The news in Greek

1. διαλύω
   να σπάζω κάτι σε κομμάτια ή να σταματήσω κάτι να υπάρχει. ↩︎
2. οργάνωση (f.)
   μια ομάδα ανθρώπων που συνεργάζονται για έναν κοινό σκοπό. ↩︎
3. παράνομος
   κάτι που δεν είναι σύμφωνο με τον νόμο. ↩︎
4. σύλληψη (f.)
   η πράξη του να συλλαμβάνεις κάποιον επειδή έχει παρανομήσει. ↩︎
5. κατηγορία (f.)
   οι αιτιάσεις ή κατηγορίες κατά κάποιου για την διάπραξη ενός αδικήματος. ↩︎
6. διαφθορά (f.)
   κατάσταση στην οποία κάποιο άτομο εμπλέκεται σε παράνομες ή ανήθικες ενέργειες για προσωπικό όφελος. ↩︎

Translation

Text Comprehension

Question: How many people were arrested by the Greek police in the operation?

Question: What kinds of charges are involved in this case?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
διαλύω	dissolve
οργάνωση (f.)	organisation
παράνομος	illegally
σύλληψη (f.)	arrests
διαφθορά (f.)	corruption
κατηγορία (f.)	charges

Read the full story

The bust, led by the Department of Internal Affairs, revealed that the criminal group was functioning through a network of shell companies to conduct its illegal operations. The alleged activities include fraud against the state, corruption, money laundering, and illegal firearms possession. According to the charges, many officers within the network were receiving bribes to offer protection to the illegal establishments, a scheme that had reportedly defrauded the Greek government of significant sums.

The investigation into the racket has so far identified a total of 70 individuals suspected of involvement to varying degrees. Among the detained are four police officers, and following the uncovering, authorities have extended their investigation to include a broader circle of suspects who are yet to be apprehended. Those charged are facing allegations ranging from running a criminal organisation to receiving and providing bribes, as well as the possession and distribution of narcotics.

A particularly shocking aspect of the case involves a young police officer who played a central role in the operation. With a promising career ahead, including a law degree, her direct connections with the alleged leader, known as a 58-year-old ‘kingpin’, have drawn public attention. This officer is accused of coordinating protection services for brothels and ensuring secure communications between the group members.

The investigation uncovered evidence including financial records, items indicating extravagant spending, and surveillance footage linking the officer to key meetings with the criminal group’s alleged leader. Further details emerged about multiple trips to the leader’s residence during critical financial transactions.

Greek authorities were alerted to the operation through reports of corrupt practices within the police force, prompting a thorough investigation that involved complex surveillance and tracking of communication between suspects. The operation, which led to the arrests and unmasking of the syndicate, is part of a broader effort to curb corruption and illegal activities facilitated by public officers.

This high-profile case casts a spotlight on issues of integrity within law enforcement in Greece and brings into perspective the challenges of combating organised crime when it involves members of the security services themselves. The accused are set to face trial, and if convicted, they will face severe criminal penalties under Greek law.

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