Final stages of theft probe at customs

An investigation into the alleged theft of electronic items confiscated by customs officials is in its final stages, reports said on Thursday.

Three customs officials are under investigation as part of the probe, which began last November.

Phileleftheros reported on Thursday that according to their sources within the police, investigators are waiting for the results of forensic tests before filing the case with the attorney-general’s office.

The thefts, mainly involving mobile phones, tablets and laptops, occurred from customs warehouses where legally confiscated items are stored. These goods are normally either auctioned or destroyed.

However, suspicions were raised against the three officials regarding the management of the items in question. Investigators suspect that they colluded with each other to appropriate the devices by avoiding handing them over to licensed recyclers, according to the report.

The case was initially reported within the customs department and was investigated internally, following which a police probe was launched.

Theft by public officials carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.