Authorities are ramping up their investigation into a recent gunfire incident involving Turkish nationals and agents from the Greek National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Thessaloniki, particularly focusing on Greece’s northern border region. Police sources indicate that border access points near Bulgaria are not closely monitored, lacking routine passport checks, which complicates efforts to track illicit crossings.
The Greek police, along with ELAS (Greek Police) and EYP (National Intelligence Service), are primarily targeting the driver of the vehicle used by the Turkish suspects. Intelligence reports suggest this individual is believed to have been the one who fired at the Greek agents. Initial information indicates that he may have attempted to exit Greece—possibly successfully—but it appears he has not abandoned the vehicle, a silver Land Cruiser, nor has he acquired a new one.
Within law enforcement, it’s estimated that over 500 Turkish mobsters are operating in Greece, organized into various groups involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and other crimes.
According to reports from prototheme.gr, the three Turkish nationals involved in the Thessaloniki incident are thought to be connected to the infamous Dalton gang, which has a significant presence in Turkey, focusing on drug trafficking and extortion. In Greece, their operations seem to be primarily centered around drug-related activities.
This gang is also associated with other violent incidents, including the murders of six individuals in Lutsa in September 2023 and the killing of a Turkish man at Thessaloniki’s bus station last February. These incidents highlight the gang’s extensive reach and their violent tactics in maintaining their criminal enterprises.
Greek authorities are committed to bolstering border security and intelligence operations to dismantle these criminal networks, aiming to prevent further violence and reduce their influence in the country.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
