Apostolos KAPSALIS

I am a Police Warrant Officer and I serve in the Larissa Security Sub-Directorate and I entered the Hellenic Police Force through the unchanged system of the National Examinations. I studied at the Constable School of the Hellenic Police Academy and I have 23 years of experience as a combat police officer performing investigative duties. 

I’m dealing with Financial Crimes in our service since 2016 and have been the liaison of the Hellenic Cybercrime Unit for Larissa since 2018, where I was trained by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) together with the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate of the Hellenic Police Headquarters and KE.ME.A. (Center for Security Studies). I am postgraduate student for the Master of Science program in Cybersecurity (MSc. Cybersecurity) of the University of West Attica (UniWA). I have experience developing a methodical and creative thinking in cybercrime cases and data breach investigations.  

As a general duty police officer and investigation officer, I have successfully handled hundreds of cybercrime cases such as phishing and drug scams, investment scams, Nigerian scams, romance scams, sim swapping, sms spoofing, ransomware attacks, BEC and MiTM scams, revenge porn, personal data breaches and other cases. Also from my work experience I have strongly developed my creativity, professionalism and tenacity in investigating the cases I handle, as well as a distinct personality and zeal in prosecuting cybercrime as well as tenacity for my persecuting conscience in these affairs. I have an inexhaustible interest in learning new things about cyber security and cybercrime and need to deepen my knowledge of cyber security and information systems security in addition to the conservative training provided by the Hellenic Police for their officers who deal with the subject in question.  

I have been nominated by the Police Director of Larissa in 2019, to be awarded at the event of the Hellenic Police Agency with the theme "Greek Police: Yesterday - Today, Tomorrow", as one of the distinguished and excellent policemen of the General Regional Directorate of Thessaly. I am a regular member of the European Cybercrime Center (EC3) of Eurorol and a member from 9/2024 to 10/2026 of the Working Group (WG) for the participation of the Greek Police in the "DATA EQUALITY" Research Action, within the "CERV-2023-EQUAL" funding program.  

Area of expertise: Cybercrime, Cybersecurity, Law Enforcement

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3090-1620

Criminal Networks in Greece that commit computer frauds using phishing

This bulletin aims to analyze the patterns and factors behind the growing phenomenon of "vishing" (voice phishing) in Greece, a type of fraud leveraging technology and social engineering to exploit victims and extract sensitive information. The methodology includes examining real cases where criminals approached victims by posing as trusted entities, such as public service employees or companies, convincing them to provide access to bank credentials through deceptive phone calls or fraudulent links. Recent trends following the 2010-2020 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that these criminal networks have adapted their methods, targeting vulnerable groups -primarily older adults - by taking advantage of social aid policies and the increasing use of digital banking.

Key findings reveal that vishing crimes are systematically organized, with distinct roles ranging from leaders to money mules within criminal organizations. Through a combination of persuasive techniques, such as mimicry of legitimate websites and manipulation via phone, these networks illicitly access bank accounts, transferring funds into accounts controlled by the perpetrators. The research highlights the sophistication of vishing tactics and the challenges law enforcement faces in dismantling such structured criminal networks.