Greek Police Arrest 28 in Thessaloniki Far-Right Crackdown

Greek authorities have dismantled a far-right youth criminal organization in Thessaloniki, arresting at least 25 to 29 suspects, including many minors, after a months-long investigation. The group, known variously as Nationalist Youth of Thessaloniki, Defense Thessaloniki, and Defend Salonica, was charged with racially motivated violence, robberies, recruitment of minors, and forming a criminal gang. Police uncovered that the group used encrypted messaging apps and social media to coordinate activities, recruit new, often younger members, and promote extremist ideologies. Funding came from member subscriptions, which were used to purchase weapons and propaganda materials, while raids yielded weapons, far-right paraphernalia, and evidence linking them to recent violent events and vandalism. Authorities highlighted the group’s structured hierarchy and persistent efforts to radicalize youth, raising concerns about ongoing far-right extremism in urban Greek settings. The operation follows Greece’s broader crackdown on far-right groups, notably after the 2020 Golden Dawn trial.