Greek Police Headquarters has responded to criticism from the Greek Left Coalition (ELAS) over the handling of organised crime and the investigation of homicides allegedly linked to criminal networks.
The police response follows a statement from ELAS calling on the Ministry of Citizen Protection to publish detailed information on the investigation and clearance of a series of homicides that it claimed had links to organised crime. The political group also requested information about arrests and the judicial progress of those cases.
ELAS had also criticised the effectiveness of the authorities’ response to organised crime, referring to comments by the Minister of Citizen Protection about the work of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DAOE).
In its response, Greek Police said that 20 of the 28 homicide and attempted homicide cases referenced in the reports had already been solved. The cases fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant police service.
Police also said that courts had issued convictions at first or second instance in cases where the main investigation had concluded and defendants had gone to trial, with one exception.
DAOE Investigated 1,361 Cases
The police stressed that the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime began operating on October 21, 2024. It therefore argued that assessing its performance using cases dating back to 2020 fails to account for the fact that many of those incidents occurred years before the directorate began operating.
According to official figures, DΑΟΕ services handled 1,361 serious and organised crime cases between October 21, 2024, and August 17, 2026.
During that period:
- Authorities charged 5,084 people in cases they investigated.
- Police arrested 2,959 people and brought them before the justice system.
- Courts ordered 756 people to be held in pre-trial detention.
- Authorities dismantled 238 criminal organisations and groups.
Among those organisations, police identified 18 criminal organisations and groups whose main activities involved crimes against life, including homicide, kidnapping and extortion.
Homicide Clearance Rate Reaches 100% in 2025
Greek Police also highlighted what it described as a significant improvement in the overall investigation of homicides.
The homicide clearance rate rose from 46.55% in 2020 to 100% in 2025, according to official figures. During the first seven months of 2026, the rate remained high at 94.64%.
Police said they regularly publish information about their investigative results through announcements and press releases covering organised crime and other forms of criminal activity.
The annual statistical report of the Hellenic Police also provides detailed crime statistics and information about police activity, allowing the public to assess crime trends and police performance, the headquarters said.
Investigations Into Unsolved Cases Continue
Greek Police said tackling serious and organised crime and investigating crimes against life remain ongoing operational priorities.
For unsolved cases, investigators continue their work and assess every new piece of evidence or information, regardless of how much time has passed since the crime occurred.
The police said their goal remains to fully solve every case, identify those responsible and bring them before the justice system.
