The following exclusive report from Athens, by longtime Balkanalysis.com contributor Ioannis Michaletos, analyzes new Greek government initiatives in countering pervasive fuel smuggling- and how deeply entrenched this practice is with other kinds of organized crime in Greece and the Balkans. The Greek government recently began a significant law enforcement operation, codenamed “Poseidon.” Meant to curb fuel smuggling, it employs a variety of methods based on new technologies. The plan may yet have political ramifications as well, due to the opposition of influential groups involved. With annual revenues generated from illegal fuel smuggling in Greece reaching a staggering 3 billion euros, the trade has numerous ramifications, including the degradation of competition in the domestic market, the expansion of illegal activities in neighboring countries and the intrusion of organized crime syndicates in the energy sector. Read more.