Naxos: seven arrests in alleged marine-fuel smuggling investigation
Greek police announced seven arrests, including a customs employee, and an investigation into 13 alleged smuggling incidents. The allegations are not a court judgment.
Seven people were arrested on Naxos during a police operation on 6 October 2026 in an investigation into alleged marine-fuel smuggling, according to a statement by Greece's Internal Affairs Service for Security Forces published on the evening of 7 October.
The people arrested are six private individuals and one customs employee. Two additional private individuals and a second customs employee are included in the case file. Depending on the person involved, the allegations include participation in a criminal organisation, breaches of customs and maritime law, forgery, bribery and receipt of bribes.
What the investigation alleges
Police say the investigation has identified at least 13 alleged fuel-smuggling incidents and 15 cases being investigated as bribery of customs employees. Investigators allege that duty-exempt fuel was transferred from eligible vessels, including fishing boats, to tourist vessels that did not qualify for the same exemption.
During the operation, police and a team from Greece's Independent Authority for Public Revenue found a hose and pump operating between two vessels. The authority measured 3,650 litres of fuel that had already been transferred.
Vessel inspections and seizures
Authorities also reported technical irregularities on vessels, including in fuel tanks and fire-safety systems. In one case, coastguard inspectors assessed that the irregularities posed an immediate risk to navigation safety and those on board.
According to the statement, authorities seized €102,865, four clay vessels being examined under antiquities law, ammunition and other objects. Those arrested were taken before the competent prosecution authority.
What was not substantiated
The initial complaint concerned alleged manipulation of priority in patient transfers to favour certain vessels. The police statement itself says that no evidence was found for that part of the complaint.
Legal stage: the case remains at the investigative and prosecutorial stage. The alleged acts are accusations made by the authorities, not a final court judgment; the presumption of innocence applies.
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