For stock gangs that committed armed robberies and drug dealerson the basis of student dormitories of the Zograf Polytechnic University, spoke at cathimerini.grjournalist Makis Papadatos, who in 2019 witnessed his son being kidnapped when perpetrators broke into his home.

It was in May 2019 when a 30-year-old man, who was arrested on Tuesday at the Polytechnic University, and his accomplices proceeded to kidnap his then 17-year-old son as he was returning home from the Zografu area. Six people immobilized the minor, put a hood on him, put him in a car and drove him to the university campus, where he was held hostage for several hours. While the victim was being restrained with his house keys and a bag of personal belongings, other gang members broke into his family home in Pagrati.

The journalist was at home with his wife and their second son, 15 years old. A fight ensued, as a result of which the journalist was injured. After that, the attackers left the house, leaving the car they were using nearby.

From that moment on, Mr. Papadatos began to collect evidence and information about the activities of the thugs that he presented to the authorities. The case of the kidnapping of a 17-year-old teenager on May 11, 2019 is one of five criminal cases against a 30-year-old teenager and his accomplices.

As Mr. Papadatos told kathimerini.gr, “My son is not the only victim of these gangs. I know exactly the same case with a child who was kidnapped and operated on in the same way. The victim filed a complaint with the police, but due to fear no charges were brought against him. People wanted to remain anonymous because they were afraid.”

“These gangs are involved in many crimes such as kidnapping, pimping and drug trafficking. The campus was and still is a crime ghetto.” he stressed.

He places the blame on the state as well as campus leaders, claiming that both the police and the rector’s management were aware of the situation. “They bear full responsibility for what happened because they knew about the activities of these gangs.”

Finally, the journalist touched upon the attitude of the state towards the victims of criminal acts, noting that they are not given any support or care.

“Victims of criminal acts are completely abandoned by the Greek state. Although Greece complies with European victim support law, it does not comply with any of the articles. No financial support, no medical help, no psychological support. Nothing. Last year, I noticed that there was no information on the DOJ website about the Crime Victims Assistance Office. I noticed it, reported it to the liaison, and then they had to make a small report. When the bandits entered our house, they also brandished a gun at my little son. He is also a victim of criminal acts, like my son, who was kidnapped. This office did not give any compensation to the victims. That is why we have created the Victims of Crime Support Association to help these people in any way we can.” concluded.

Heavy conviction of campus thugs

In total, they are accused of participating in 27 robberies and two thefts. 32 gang members who were moved during the recent operation of the Athens sub-directorate of security in Zografu Campus. The police characterize them as criminals with a long criminal past, as some of them were allegedly involved in murderous fights, rapes, etc. in the period 2011-2012.

Over two days on September 26 and 27, more than 19 people were arrested in apartments in various areas of the center and in student dormitories on campus, which they used as temporary or even permanent housing.

From the investigation of the Security Service, it turned out that in the period from June 2021 and about a day ago, the defendants at gunpoint robbed supermarkets, kiosks, catering points within a radius of several hundred meters from student dormitories that they used. either as a base or as a hideout before and after raids. For example, at 11 p.m. on June 11, 2021, they robbed a minimarket on Etnarchu Makariu Street, taking 750 euros in cash and 300 euros worth of groceries. Two weeks later, they robbed a supermarket chain in Zographu with loot of 260 euros, etc. In early July of the same year, after robbing a supermarket in Kaisariani, they shot and wounded employees of the cafe who tried to follow them in the leg.

Students on the university campus have also been targeted by arrests. It is significant that in October 2021, they surrounded four students and, at gunpoint and knife, took away the money, mobile phones and chain that was on one of them. Something similar happened again in May of this year, when criminals seized a 42-year-old man’s backpack, in which he had a laptop and money.

Some of the defendants were involved in drug trafficking, and in fact, during the course of the investigation, police officers found hydroponic cannabis laboratory equipment off campus, as well as large quantities of cocaine and hashish. The list of confiscated items includes Glock pistols, bullets and 7,500 euros in cash.