Two suspects have been remanded in custody after marathon plea hearings regarding Greece’s largest-ever illegal cigarette operation, a criminal enterprise authorities say was capable of churning out 8 million counterfeit packs a month.
The judicial inquiry into the massive ring is ongoing, with 24 more suspects scheduled to face an examining magistrate on Wednesday.
Among them are the alleged ringleaders, two brothers known by the aliases “The President” and “Putin,” who are accused of orchestrating the industrial-scale production.
The bust, executed last week, followed raids on high-tech factories and warehouses in Attica, Boeotia, and Evia.
Police discovered sophisticated machinery and packaging materials used to mimic major international tobacco brands for export across the European Union and beyond.
Authorities estimate the network’s monthly profits exceeded 5 million euros ($5.4 million).
While two suspects were jailed Tuesday, nine others were released under restrictive conditions, including travel bans and mandatory police check-ins. All 26 detainees face heavy felony charges ranging from directing a criminal organization and smuggling to forgery and illegal arms possession.
The operation marks a significant victory in Greece’s battle against black-market tobacco. Customs data suggests the illicit trade costs the state nearly 1 billion euros annually in lost tax revenue, a critical blow as the government seeks to shore up public finances.