Greek police recently conducted a series of raids on multiple homes in Athens, resulting in the detention of dozens of suspects in connection to soccer violence. The crackdown was sparked by the death of police officer Giorgos Lyggeridis, who was fatally struck by a flare during a violent clash between rival fans at a volleyball game in December.
By Monday afternoon, 60 individuals had been arrested, following an operation that commenced late Sunday. Police chief Dimitris Mallios disclosed that the arrests were a result of a four-month-long investigation conducted under high secrecy, which confirmed the existence of links between sports violence and organized crime. This investigation revealed a criminal organization comprising 158 individuals that had been involved in criminal activities in the greater Athens region, as well as in the cities of Volos and Ioannina.
During the crackdown, 58 residences and 15 vehicles were searched, leading to the confiscation of items such as handguns, knives, drugs, and wooden clubs. Mallios emphasized the police department’s unwavering commitment to combatting sports violence in Greece, highlighting the significant efforts being made to address the issue. It was noted that violent soccer fans in the country often seek out lightly policed events in other sports to actively engage with their rivals, further complicating the situation.
Following the tragic death of the police officer, measures were put in place to prevent future instances of violence in sports settings. Fans were temporarily banned from attending top-flight soccer matches for a period of two months, while security protocols were reviewed and enhanced. Attendees are now required to present a government-issued QR code on their mobile device in order to gain entry to stadiums, a move aimed at ensuring the safety of both spectators and officials.
The recent crackdown on soccer violence in Greece underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing this pervasive issue. The significant number of arrests made in connection to the case indicates the scale of the problem, with organized crime playing a role in perpetuating violence within the sporting community. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to identify and dismantle criminal organizations involved in sports-related violence, utilizing covert investigations and targeted operations to bring perpetrators to justice.
The tragic death of Officer Lyggeridis has served as a catalyst for increased vigilance and enforcement actions in the realm of sports security. The implementation of stricter security measures, including the mandatory use of QR codes for stadium access, reflects a proactive approach to preventing future acts of violence. Through collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and sports organizations, steps are being taken to create a safer and more secure environment for athletes, spectators, and officials alike.
