Greek Father and Sons Dismantled in Largest TV Piracy Network Operating Across 14 Countries

Greek authorities have dismantled what is being called the largest television piracy operation in the country's history, arresting a father and his sons along with four other accomplices. The organized crime network operated for at least nine years, serving over 86,000 subscribers and generating an estimated 7 million euros in illegal profits. The suspects used sophisticated technical equipment, illegal software, and specialized decoders to illegally rebroadcast content from major streaming and television providers including Netflix, COSMOTE TV, and NOVA. The operation caused an estimated 50 million euros in damages to legitimate TV providers.

The seven-member criminal organization was dismantled by the Anticrime Department of Crete, with key arrests including a 63-year-old private employee from Agrinio, a 40-year-old private employee from Heraklion, a 70-year-old retired EFKA worker, and other family members including two sons and a brother. A secret police officer, posing as a prospective subscriber, managed to infiltrate the illegal service and expose the organization's operational methods. The suspects lived lavishly on their illegal earnings, purchasing luxury vehicles and real estate properties in Attica and Agrinio, funding property purchases with loans they immediately repaid using proceeds from their criminal activity.

The network extended far beyond Greece, with operations identified in Germany, Australia, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Poland, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, China, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization invested over 280,000 euros in international technical infrastructure to serve customers abroad. Between 2021 and 2025, they created a customer base of approximately 2,112 people both within and outside Greece, offering subscription packages at prices ranging from 10 to 125 euros—significantly undercutting legitimate providers.

The criminal organization operated a hierarchical structure with three members serving as central sales managers, handling revenue collection and equipment management. Three other members were responsible for recruiting new subscribers and collecting payments, while a 31-year-old provided technical support for the illegal network infrastructure. Payments were made in cash during face-to-face transactions. Investigation revealed that the organization had concealed substantial income, with declared earnings far lower than the lavish lifestyle they were maintaining, including expensive vacations and stays at upscale hotels.