Pink Panthers members reportedly responsible for Greek heist

Two members of the legendary ‘Pink Panthers’ gang have reportedly been arrested in relation to a luxury goods heist in Greece in September.

According to local media reports, two Serbian men have been arrested in connection with the theft of luxury watches and jewellery valued at around €580,000 ($AUD1 million).

The incident occurred at the Sani Resort in Halkidiki on 2 September, with arrest warrants issued following an investigation by Greece’s Organised Crime Unit. A 48-year-old man was subsequently arrested in Bulgaria, while a 46-year-old man was arrested in Croatia.

"Both men are allegedly members of a sophisticated transnational criminal organisation specialising in high-end jewellery heists. These groups are known for their meticulous planning, adaptability, and evolving tactical methods," writes Tasos Kokkinidis for Greek Reporter.

"The 48-year-old suspect has a prior criminal record in Switzerland for residential burglaries. Authorities are currently investigating the group’s involvement in similar armed robberies across Europe during 2024 and 2025. Both suspects are currently awaiting judicial decisions in Bulgaria and Croatia regarding their extradition to Greece."

It’s thought that there are more than 800 members of the Pink Panthers and that the criminal network is responsible for more than $AUD1 billion in thefts. The gang is infamous for its intricate, thoroughly planned crimes, earning the moniker from the 1963 film starring Peter Sellers.

In 2013, a documentary film about the notorious gang titled 'Smash & Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers' was produced.