Corrupt officers exposed for ties to drug cartels

A probe by Greece’s Internal Affairs Division has unveiled a covert network of police officers allegedly linked to major drug cartels, with shocking revelations raising questions about systemic corruption.

The investigation centers on senior narcotics officers, some of whom held key positions until early 2024, when they were reassigned under the new leadership of the Ministry of Citizen Protection. It appears their rapid promotions came at the expense of competent officers who were inexplicably removed from their posts.

One officer, formerly third in command of Greece’s anti-drug unit, is accused of tipping off a cocaine trafficker about police wiretaps. The trafficker, jailed for smuggling 1.2 tons of cocaine, reportedly used connections in the narcotics division to identify and plan retaliation against undercover officers.

Adding to the scandal, an earlier investigation in 2023 was shelved by officials despite incriminating encrypted messages obtained via Europol’s Sky ECC breach. A second review led to arrests of implicated officers. 

Kathimerini