Newsroom
A man known by the alias "Entik", who is accused of ordering a series of contract killings linked to the so-called Greek Mafia, has been arrested in Dubai together with his alleged deputy, according to Greek media reports.
The pair were reportedly detained by Dubai authorities around two weeks ago, although the arrests were only confirmed publicly on Monday.
Greek authorities are expected to begin extradition proceedings to bring both men before the courts in Greece.
The case also has a Cyprus connection, as previous reports said international arrest warrants had been issued by both Greece and Cyprus for "Entik". While the latest reports focus on the Greek investigation, the Cypriot warrants reflect cooperation between the two countries in efforts to pursue suspects linked to organised crime operating across national borders.
According to the investigation, "Entik" is believed to have led a criminal organisation involved in the illegal cigarette trade. The group allegedly included Ukrainian, Russian and Georgian nationals and is suspected of involvement in extortion, kidnappings, bomb attacks, arson, assaults, threats and contract killings.
Investigators allege that "Entik" ordered the murders of at least four members of the Greek Mafia.
His alleged second-in-command, known as "Leonidas", is an ethnic Greek from Uzbekistan who was also wanted under an international arrest warrant. He is accused of taking part in the killings of Giannis Skaftouros, also known as "Uncle Joe", Vasilis Roumbetis, known as "Rambo", and Dionysis Mouzakitis, known as "Nionios".
The arrests mark a significant development in a long-running investigation into organised crime networks connected with the Greek underworld and their alleged involvement in a series of high-profile contract killings. Greek prosecutors are now expected to seek the extradition of both suspects from the United Arab Emirates.
