Violent crimes, including murders, kidnappings, and brutal assaults inside prisons, their power and influence have grown uncontrollably.

At the center of this operation are three key figures: Entik, the leader, Anton, and Nadar. Despite multiple arrests by the Greek authorities in recent months, Entik, the notorious figure behind the gang, remains at large in Dubai. He continues to pull the strings of his criminal network from abroad, beyond the reach of Greek law enforcement.

The Leadership and Operations of the Organization

Entik, born in Georgia, is considered the number one representative of the Russian-Ukrainian mafia in Greece. His operations predominantly focus on the illegal trade of cigarettes and fuel. He oversees a vast network that controls significant portions of the black market.

Anton, the second in command, has managed to evade capture despite numerous raids and ongoing efforts by the authorities. As a key member of the organization, he remains free and continues to be deeply involved in its illicit activities. Meanwhile, Nadar, the treasurer of the gang, was among the 47 arrested in the latest crackdown by the Greek FBI, revealing the complex and hierarchical structure of this criminal syndicate.

Together, these three figures have successfully wiped out competition in the underworld, assassinating top leaders of the Greek Mafia without raising suspicion. Their ability to operate undetected has solidified their position at the top.

Extorting Businesses and Expanding Control

One of the primary methods the gang used to increase their illegal profits was through extortion. They targeted business owners, particularly in Northern Greece, but used a different strategy than traditional Greek mafia groups. Instead of simply demanding regular “protection money,” they sought a share of the businesses themselves, with the ultimate goal of taking full control by pushing out the legitimate owners.

For those who resisted or refused to comply, the consequences were violent. A notorious example is when the gang stormed a nightclub in Southern Athens, beating the staff and leaving behind a chilling message: “Where is your protection now?”

Their reign of terror wasn’t limited to the mainland, as reports suggest they also made their way to Mykonos during the summer of 2024. However, details of their activities on the island remain unclear due to the pervasive fear they instilled in locals.

The Murders of Greek Mafia Leaders

The criminal organization has been linked to at least four murders of high-profile members of the Greek Mafia.

• Giannis Skaftouros, a prominent figure in the underworld, was killed in April 2022, in a well-executed hit orchestrated by the gang. One of their own members, who had previously worked for Skaftouros, provided critical information to the killers, possibly even participating in the murder.
• In June 2023, the gang was responsible for the double murder of Vassilis Roubetis and Dionysis Mouzakitis. This killing was preceded by a bomb attack on a building in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki, orchestrated by Roubetis, which led to an investigation by the Greek authorities. Later, the gang abducted and tortured a prison guard to extract crucial information, eventually leading to the deaths of both Roubetis and Mouzakitis in June.
• The latest known victim of the gang’s wrath was Vangelis Zambounis, who was shot nearly 100 times outside his gas station in Neos Kosmos, Athens. His death marked another chapter in the brutal saga of this gang’s dominance over the Greek underworld.

Money Laundering and Expansion into Tourism

The gang’s operations aren’t limited to illegal goods; they have also managed to launder their illicit earnings through investments in the legitimate economy. Reports indicate that the gang has invested heavily in the tourism industry, owning hotels and villas in Northern Greece and the Aegean islands.

These properties serve as front companies for money laundering, allowing the gang to “clean” their profits and funnel the proceeds to destinations like Dubai, where their leader resides.

Solidifying Their Network Through Family Ties

To further solidify their influence and evade law enforcement, the gang members strengthened their internal bonds by arranging marriages and godparenthoods among themselves. This familial bond made it harder to crack down on the organization, as they could rely on each other for protection.

When members were arrested and incarcerated, Anton, the group’s treasurer, made sure to send 2,000 euros a month to the families of those in prison, covering basic expenses for their children. This form of financial support ensured loyalty and silence, helping the gang operate like a well-oiled machine, despite law enforcement crackdowns.

In conclusion, the “Cigarette Lords” of Greece, led by Entik, Anton, and Nadar, represent a terrifyingly sophisticated and violent criminal organization. Their influence continues to spread, and the authorities are engaged in a relentless battle to dismantle their operations. Yet, despite the efforts to bring them to justice, their grip on the Greek underworld remains strong, as they continue to profit from their illegal enterprises and expand their reach beyond the country’s borders.