Russian-wanted suspected crime boss is apprehended by Greek police

ATHENS: According to police officials on Wednesday, Greece has detained a suspected crime boss who goes by the criminal moniker “vor v zakone,” or “thief in law,” and who is wanted by Russia under an Interpol red alert.

Since a power struggle inside the criminal network was sparked by the 2013 death of a clan leader in Moscow, Europe has increased its efforts against organized crime groups speaking Russian.

The “vory v zakone” (thieves in law) network is a highly organized form of criminal organization that has its roots in the Soviet Union’s underworld. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, according to Europol, the EU’s police liaison agency.

The 51-year-old Georgian, whose name has not been made public, was taken into custody by Greek police on Tuesday on information that he intended to visit Athens. At Russia’s request, Interpol had issued a red alert on him.

He was detained in a central Athens restaurant where he was having dinner with thirteen other men, one of whom, a 58-year-old man, was also detained later on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Due to his lack of a residency permit and refusal to submit to an identity check, a third guy was taken into custody.
After a brief arrest, the other males at the dinner were released.