Greek Mafia: Stolen phones expose three murders and attempted homicide

By Yiannis Souliotis

In a breakthrough discovery, two phones found in a stolen car in Aspropyrgos have unraveled a series of crimes linked to the so-called Greek Mafia.

The investigation, conducted by Hellenic Police, connected the users of these phones to the murders of Vasilis Roubetis, his brother-in-law Dionysis Mouzakitis, and Yannis Skaftourou.

The phones' owner was involved in surveilling Vassilis Roubetis before the deadly operation. Antennas activation near Roubetis' home, family residence, "Karaiskakis" Stadium, and a gas station on Pireos Street provided crucial evidence.

Simultaneously, the phones were linked to the home of a suspect in the murder of Yannis Skaftourou, adding complexity to the unfolding story.

Additionally, a genetic fingerprint discovered in the stolen car identified a 28-year-old expatriate from Georgia as one of the culprits in the attempted murder of Theo Mavropoulos.

Mavropoulos, shot in his car in the Platanodasos area of Pieria, managed to escape but succumbed to a heart attack months later.

Photos released by Hellenic Police showcased evidence, including seized weapons and a hidden stash of clothing and gloves, leading to the arrest of several suspects. The stolen vehicle had been parked in a car wash under the control of individuals associated with the alleged perpetrators.

Despite critical findings available to the police, the perpetrators proceeded with their plan to kill Vassilis Roubetis. The group of defendants includes individuals currently imprisoned, while others have fled abroad, possibly to Ukraine, with arrest warrants issued against them.

Beyond the homicides and attempted murder, the accused face charges related to bomb-arson attacks on a gas station and an illegal cigarette manufacturing warehouse.

The incidents targeted locations associated with the murdered Giannis Skaftourou and unfolded in June 2023.

The details of the case were presented by chief officers of the Attica Security Directorate, shedding light on the complex web of criminal activities orchestrated by the Greek Mafia.

Background

The 54-year-old, known as "Uncle Joe," was a key figure in illegal petroleum product trafficking and controlled gas stations in Attica. His expansion into the illegal tobacco trade brought him into conflict with a group of expatriates from Ukraine, leading to a series of violent events.

In retaliation for the murder of "Uncle Joe" in 2022, Vassilis Roubetis allegedly orchestrated bomb attacks against members of the opposing group. This tit-for-tat violence escalated, resulting in the murders of Roubetis, his brother-in-law, and the arson attacks in Aspropyrgos.

The alleged leader of the opposing group is rumored to be in Ukraine, under the protection of a high-ranking member of the Russian-speaking mafia, known as Vor V Zakone. The intricate web of crime and revenge continues to unfold in this gripping saga of the Greek Mafia.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]