A high-ranking Greek police officer has been arrested along with two others for alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking network.
The arrests follow a months-long investigation by the Greek Internal Affairs Service, in coordination with Europol and agencies in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The officer is accused of accepting bribes to leak confidential police information, shielding the network from law enforcement. Investigators allege the officer also procured narcotics for third parties and attempted to recruit others into the criminal enterprise.
The network, operating across Europe, smuggled and distributed large quantities of cannabis and cocaine within Greece.
Europol's intelligence, gathered through encrypted communications, exposed the network's operations and its links to corrupt police officers. Two other officers suspected of aiding the network remain at large.
Those arrested face charges including participation in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, bribery, and breach of confidentiality.
The case represents a significant blow to organized crime in Greece, but also highlights the challenge of corruption within law enforcement. The investigation remains active.