[Shutterstock]
Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of belonging to a criminal group that systematically stole sheep and lambs from farms in western Greece, and slaughtered them for sale through two butchers’ shops in the town of Agrinio.
A police statement Thursday said the gang is believed to have been active since at least December 2025, and stole 163 animals worth a total €30,000. The suspects were arrested Wednesday in Agrinio, Aitoliko, Xiromero and the island of Lefcada.
They face charges including membership of a criminal organization, theft, and breaches of health regulations on the slaughter of livestock. The case comes amid a livestock farming crisis that has seen about 481,000 animals culled over the past year and a half due to an epidemic of sheep and goat pox – a disease that does not harm humans.
Police said the gang carried out at least 16 thefts. Two of the suspects own butcher’s shops.