The Police and Immigration Services cooperated on uncovering and apprehending a large motor vehicle theft gang and locating a chop shop in Ano Liosia. Ten people were arrested (3 Greeks and 7 Pakistanis) aged 19-42, including the 32-year-old mastermind, while four more still wanted.The gang operated for the past fours years, during which time it is estimated that they stole over 3,000 vehicles.
The investigation revealed that the 32-year-old operated a spare parts business in Ano Liosia which acted as a front. Through that business he would pick his targets and recruit other people to carry out the thefts. The gang mostly stole small city cars, the parts of which are easier to sell. The gang stole between 2 to 5 cars each night.
After stealing the cars, the gang would drive them to the spare parts business. The gang was cautious about attracting attentions and would use special sound signals and decoys. License plates and other serial numbers were usually erased or forged. They would then remove any spare parts to sell, as needed.
