Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis announced the deployment of a new police traffic unit named Komvos on September 1, 2026.
Speaking in an interview on Mega television, Chrysochoidis outlined the operational rollout of the Hellenic Police division, which began patrolling major roadways across Attica on September 1. He explained that managing traffic on Kifisos Avenue remains an extraordinary challenge, remarking that someone would need to be a magician or a miracle worker to solve the highway congestion under current conditions.
Chrysochoidis stated that existing infrastructure and resources are insufficient to fully resolve gridlock on the avenue. He indicated that a lasting solution may only arrive when a new road is constructed, potentially a transverse route connecting toward Thiva.
Traffic Monitoring and Technological Infrastructure
The newly formed Komvos unit incorporates specialized personnel, motorcycle patrols, and advanced technological tools coordinated through a central command and control hub. Chrysochoidis explained that real-time visual monitoring now covers the entire Attica region to enable immediate traffic management decisions.
The system relies on a central data center that processes simultaneous inputs from 24 distinct sources. Previously, police monitoring drew traffic data exclusively from Google. Authorities aim for the tech-driven system to increase traffic flow and achieve a 25 to 30 percent reduction in travel times.
In addition to active street management, officials are developing a mobile application designed to broadcast real-time driving instructions. Chrysochoidis noted that the application will guide motorists onto side roads and secondary avenues to bypass heavy bottlenecks.
The Hellenic Police, known locally as ELAS, serves as Greece's primary law enforcement agency. Attica, which encompasses the Athens metropolitan area, experiences heavy daily commuting traffic along major corridors such as Kifisos Avenue.
Rising Phone Scams and Transnational Crime
Addressing public security issues, Chrysochoidis described the sharp rise in phone scams across Greece as an epidemic. He stated that the fraudsters carrying out these schemes are predominantly Roma, clarifying that his statement was an operational observation rather than a racist assertion.
Chrysochoidis observed that individuals involved in these networks have turned toward financial crime, using deceptive tactics to easily extract money and property from victims. He highlighted that elderly citizens are the primary targets of these operations.
To orchestrate the schemes, criminal groups have established operational call centers that function continuously. Chrysochoidis noted that while Greek authorities have solved numerous cases and made multiple arrests, the criminal enterprise continues to multiply behind those enforcement actions.
The minister emphasized that phone fraud has evolved beyond Greece into a pan-European issue with a transnational character. He cited specific instances of operational call centers operating outside Greek borders, including facility locations in Albania and North Macedonia.
To combat the growing trend, Chrysochoidis announced that ministry officials and police leadership are holding a dedicated meeting on September 1 to establish stronger structural units focused on tackling telephone fraud.
Political Disputes and Party Alignment
During the interview, Chrysochoidis also responded to recent political commentary regarding former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Asked about potential political moves by the former leader, Chrysochoidis stated that government officials would address specific differences and criticisms if Samaras establishes a new political party.
Chrysochoidis expressed that he does not understand the rationale behind Samaras' ongoing disagreement with the ruling New Democracy party. New Democracy, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, currently forms Greece's governing administration.
While acknowledging that forming new political parties is a standard feature of a democratic system, Chrysochoidis cautioned against reviving older political approaches. He stated that repeating political practices that previously produced disastrous outcomes does not help reform or improve the nation's party system.
