AI Cameras Bust $12M Illegal Supercars in Greece

Greek authorities have successfully seized 229 luxury cars worth over €10 million ($11.8 million) using AI-powered highway toll cameras as enforcement tools. The operation uncovered a widespread scheme of tax evasion and illegal vehicle registration.

For years, supercar owners exploited a loophole by keeping foreign plates on their vehicles to avoid Greece's substantial registration taxes and luxury levies. However, this practice has now been thwarted by advanced digital surveillance.

Since late 2025, toll cameras have been cross-referencing data with customs and tax records, flagging vehicles from Ferrari, Porsche, Bentley, and Mercedes-Benz that exceeded their legal stay. A specialized task force known as DEOS conducted coordinated raids, resulting in the seizure of 229 high-end vehicles.

The haul included impressive models such as a white Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, a yellow Ferrari F430 Spider, a blue Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4², and a purple Porsche 911 GT3 (991), all circulating without proper Greek documentation.

Investigators discovered more than just tax evasion. Some vehicles had tampered VINs, potentially indicating stolen cars, and authorities found cocaine hidden inside one vehicle. The operation has raised questions about how these expensive purchases were funded, with some owners unable to explain their supercar acquisitions based on declared income.

Greek law permits foreign-plated vehicles to circulate for a maximum of six months (185 days) within any 12-month period, but only for non-resident owners including tourists or those with habitual residence abroad. The final penalties are still being calculated, but the message is clear: the savings from avoiding registration rules have been far outweighed by fines, seizures, and legal consequences.