Eight suspects linked to a bank robbery in Kato Tithorea, central Greece, have appeared before an Athens prosecutor facing criminal organisation charges — with military-grade weapons including assault rifles and grenades among the evidence against them, pointing to a level of organisation far beyond a typical heist.
The prosecutor filed five felony charges: formation of a criminal organisation, professional-grade aggravated theft, serial armed robbery, and illegal possession of military weaponry.
Additional misdemeanour counts include drug possession, falsification of licence plates and violence against public officials.
The transfer of the eight to the Evelpidon court complex was conducted under what police described as "draconian" security.
A crowd of young supporters gathered outside, chanting and applauding the defendants as they were led inside under heavy guard — a scene that drew sharp comment on social media.
The suspects were referred to an investigating magistrate and are expected to request additional time to prepare their formal depositions.
Pre-trial detention is widely anticipated given the severity of the charges and the assessed flight risk. Investigators are examining whether the group is connected to other unsolved robberies across central Greece.