€1 billion damage to the Greek State from the illicit cigarette smuggling ring involving “Putin” and the “President”: Hotel, villas, and tankers seized

The cognition of the illicit cigaret smuggling ringing caused €1 cardinal successful damages to the Greek State over 8 years.

The ringing was uncovered past February by the Authority for the Laundering of Proceeds of Crime, pursuing a four-month investigation.

Following an bid by the caput of the Authority, erstwhile Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court Charalambos Vourliotis, authorities person seized 42 properties crossed Greece, peculiarly successful the Cyclades islands.

These see a edifice complex, villas, maisonettes, a mill successful Aspropyrgos wherever the amerciable cigarettes were processed, and more.

Also seized were 76 vessels, including 3 tankers (two instrumentality ships and 1 lipid tanker), arsenic good arsenic 2 commercialized ships disposable for charter.

In addition, 26 vehicles were seized — astir of them luxury models (Porsche, Land Rover, etc.) — on with trucks, trailers, caravans, and more.

Bank accounts were besides frozen.

The lawsuit involves 38 earthy persons, immoderate of whom person already been remanded successful custody, and 21 ineligible entities successful the signifier of Anonymous Companies (S.A.), Limited Liability Companies (EPE), shipping companies, etc.

Among those arrested are 2 brothers known by the codification names “President” and “Putin”, who are alleged to beryllium the masterminds of the smuggling ring.

At slightest 4 individuals connected to 1 household are said to person played a starring role, portion the others operated arsenic accomplices oregon “satellites.”

The wealth laundering was carried retired done ammunition companies, fake invoices, mendacious certifications, and different amerciable acts.Mr. Vourliotis has forwarded the 130-page study helium compiled to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for further action.