Six Bulgarian nationals arrested in Greece for weapons possession before AEK-Levski match

On August 26, 2026, Greek police conducted preemptive vehicle checks at the Elefsina and Afidnes toll stations in anticipation of the UEFA Champions League playoff match between AEK Athens and Levski Sofia at the Allwyn Arena. Authorities intercepted vehicles and discovered concealed weapons, resulting in the arrest of six Bulgarian nationals.

Specific details released by the Hellenic Police indicate that four individuals were detained at the Afidnes toll station with two folding knives, while two additional individuals were apprehended at the Elefsina toll station in possession of one knife. All six suspects have been transferred to the Sub-directorate for the Combatting of Organized Sports Violence under the Organized Crime Division. The authorities are currently processing case files against the detainees for violations of both firearms and sports-related legislation.

The match, scheduled to take place at 22:00, is under heightened security monitoring as part of broader efforts to prevent organized sports-related violence. The suspects remain in custody pending further legal action regarding the charges filed against them.