The prosecutor of Thessaloniki pressed charges for a total of 13 criminal acts against 28 people arrested in the city in northern Greece a day earlier. The arrestees, among them 13 minors, are being accused being members of a criminal organization that operated under the guise of a far-right organization, called “Nationalist Youth of Thessaloniki” (DEFEND SALONICA).
The prosecution of the arrested far-right members concerns – on a case-by-case basis – the following acts: human trafficking with recruitment of minors to commit criminal acts, criminal organization, incitement to commit crimes and acts of violence with racist motives, incitement to acts of violence or hatred via the internet, serial robbery and incitement to this specific act, violent crimes on the occasion of a sporting event, dangerous bodily harm and incitement to this specific act, computer fraud, violation of personal data, damage to another’s property, violation of flares, etc.
All were referred to a regular investigator and remain in custody until they have pleaded guilty.
It is noted that among the 28 arrested, aged 16 to 28, there are 13 minors, as well as the alleged leader, while two more people included in the case file have not being arrested yet.
pictures via Greek Police
According to police, the arrests followed a month-long investigation by the Sub-Directorate for Combating Racist and Extremist Violence, which identified the group’s involvement in a series of crimes including racist assaults, robberies, property damage, and the recruitment of minors to carry out illegal acts. The investigation concluded that the organization had been active since at least 2019.
The group’s activities included attacks with racist motives, two robberies at knife-point, destruction of school property, vandalism of political party offices and public buildings, and violent altercations, some of which resulted in injuries. Police linked the organization to incidents of nationalist graffiti and slogans targeting leftist and minority groups.
The “Nationalist Youth of Thessaloniki” is alleged to have operated with a clear hierarchy and a structured system for indoctrinating and mobilizing young recruits. The older members played key roles in directing illegal operations, while younger members, including minors, were assigned tasks such as surveillance, material preparation, and participation in assaults and vandalism. The organization maintained financial autonomy through member contributions used to purchase items including banners, helmets, clubs, and spray paint.
Authorities say the group used encrypted online platforms to evade detection and promoted their far-right ideology through a network of social media accounts. These platforms were used to coordinate attacks, spread propaganda, and attract new recruits.
Police searches of the suspects’ homes uncovered weapons, racist paraphernalia, and extremist material, including brass knuckles, knives, swords, hunting cartridges, cannabis, propaganda books, and symbols bearing nationalist and racist imagery. Thirty-three mobile phones and six computers were also seized as part of the investigation.
But also items that hint to connection with the former parliament neo-nazi party but declared outlaw a few years ago, the Golden Dawn.
ANT1 TV reported late on Thursday that police also investigates connection of the “Nationalist Youth of Thessaloniki” with convict former Golden Dawn MP, Ilias Kassidiaris, who has been desperately trying to return in active politics although behind bars.
sources: ethnos.gr, Hellenic Police, Athina 9.84 FM, other media