In a significant operation, law enforcement in Greece apprehended 17 individuals believed to be part of an armed criminal organization engaged in the production and distribution of counterfeit alcoholic beverages. The arrests were made following a series of pre-holiday raids conducted across Athens, according to statement from the authorities on Monday.

During the operation, police discovered an abandoned facility along with several apartments utilized for the storage of these counterfeit goods. In total, over 2,000 liters (around 530 gallons) of illicit alcohol were confiscated by the authorities.

Additionally, the police found a variety of counterfeit labels, an astonishing 3,833 empty bottles, firearms—including an automatic rifle and a silenced handgun—face masks, plastic restraints, and vehicles designated for distribution. This extensive seizure highlights the breadth of the gang’s operations and the tools employed in their illegal activities.

The issue of selling counterfeit alcohol has persisted in Athens for decades, often escalating during peak consumption periods such as the Christmas season. Authorities revealed that the gang was involved in supplying fake alcohol to local establishments, with some businesses reportedly purchasing these counterfeit products knowingly. This operation generated illegal earnings estimated to be at least 500,000 euros (approximately $550,000), further underscoring the extensive nature of the underground trade.