Greek police dismantle extortion gang allegedly led by crime figure from prison
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Five suspects have been arrested in Attica over a series of grenade and incendiary attacks on Athens businesses. Investigators believe the criminal network was directed from prison by Klodian Lekocaj.
- 04 Νοεμβρίου 2026 16:01
How the alleged criminal network operated from prison
According to the police investigation, the group operated as a structured criminal organisation with a clear hierarchy and defined responsibilities, allowing it to continue its activities despite several senior members being behind bars.
Investigators believe the 49-year-old alleged leader maintained operational control from prison, selecting targets, assessing intelligence gathered before attacks, issuing instructions and overseeing the execution of criminal operations.
Two other imprisoned members, aged 27 and 23, allegedly acted as intermediaries between the leadership and members operating outside prison.
Their responsibilities reportedly included relaying orders, coordinating individual operations and maintaining communication within the network.
Other members were tasked with gathering information about selected targets, monitoring homes and business premises, identifying individuals and vehicles, photographing locations and mapping surrounding areas.
They also allegedly arranged the equipment required for attacks, carried out the operations and organised escapes from the scenes.
Police believe this division of responsibilities enabled the network to maintain continuous criminal activity even while its alleged leaders remained incarcerated.
Weapons, phones and GPS trackers seized
Searches of homes and prison cells resulted in the seizure of:
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€1,050 in cash
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Three improvised stabbing weapons
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13 mobile phones
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Two GPS tracking devices
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Two notebooks and 11 sheets containing handwritten notes
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A laptop computer
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A CCTV camera
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A recording device
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A motorcycle allegedly used to facilitate criminal activities
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Clothing and footwear believed to have been used during the attacks
The seized material is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the group’s activities and communications.
Grenade and incendiary attacks on Athens businesses
Police say they have so far linked the organisation to four attacks against hospitality businesses in Athens, including grenade explosions and the use of improvised incendiary devices.
On August 26, 2026, an improvised incendiary device was allegedly used against a hospitality establishment in Athens, causing a small fire and property damage.
On September 8, 2026, two separate grenade attacks targeted hospitality businesses in the capital, causing extensive material damage.
Investigators also linked the incidents to extortion attempts against business owners, who were allegedly pressured to pay sums of money.
A further attack took place on October 5, 2026, when a grenade was thrown at a hospitality establishment in Athens but failed to explode.
Police noted that the business was open at the time and customers were inside, highlighting the potential danger posed by the attack.
Police conduct additional checks in central Athens
As part of the wider operation, officers from the extortion unit, assisted by specialist police teams, carried out inspections at four hospitality establishments in central Athens.
During the checks, 50 individuals were questioned or checked, with 27 taken to police stations for further investigation.
The five arrested suspects are being referred to the competent prosecuting authorities, while investigations into the alleged network and its activities remain ongoing.
