Eight suspects linked to a bank robbery in Kato Tithorea, central Greece, have appeared before an Athens prosecutor facing criminal organisation charges — with military-grade weapons including assault rifles and grenades among the evidence against them, pointing to a level of organisation far beyond a typical heist.

An armed robbery with scenes of cinematic suspense unfolded a short time ago at a bank branch in Katohi, Aitoloakarnania region, with the perpetrators holding hostages for 15 minutes, opening the safe and leaving unmolested with 200,000 euros in their hands.

Four armed and masked individuals stole money and jewelry from a Piraeus Bank branch in the area of Kallipoli, Piraeus, on Thursday afternoon before making their escape after two-and-a-half hours, police said.