Severe criminal charges have been filed by the Rhodes Prosecutor’s Office against suspects arrested in a major corruption probe involving the island’s Urban Planning Authority.
Seven out of eight individuals implicated in the case now face a litany of accusations, while one suspect, the former head of the Urban Planning Department, has been released pending further proceedings.
The head of the Rhodes First Instance Prosecutor’s Office issued charges late Thursday evening, accusing the group of 13 serious offences. These include forming and participating in a criminal organisation, forgery, bribery, extortion, repeated breaches of duty, document theft, concealment of archaeological monuments, illegal possession of weapons, issuing false certifications, and incitement to commit crimes. Following the indictment, the prosecutor referred the defendants to an investigating judge for their statements.
A Year-Long Investigation Uncovers Corruption Network
The investigation, spearheaded by Greece’s Internal Affairs Service, began in 2024 after a specific complaint reached the hands of the Hellenic Police’s anti-corruption unit, known as the “Untouchables.” Authorities allege that employees of the Rhodes Urban Planning Authority systematically extorted private citizens, entrepreneurs, and hoteliers, demanding cash payments to expedite licensing applications.
Reports indicate that the bribery “tariff” started at €2,000 and could climb significantly higher, depending on the scale of the construction project and the property’s location. With the assistance of the Rhodes Misdemeanor Prosecutor’s Office, investigators employed surveillance, wiretapping, and evidence collection to build their case. The operation reached a turning point as complaints multiplied, revealing a sprawling corruption network.
High-Profile Allegations and Ongoing Probes
Among the cases under scrutiny is a complaint lodged by a retired Hellenic Police officer, whose allegations have sparked widespread investigations. The officer reportedly accused officials of overlooking urban planning violations linked to a business adjacent to his family’s property. He had recently filed charges against two of the implicated employees, leading to their arrest under Greece’s immediate-action procedure.
Additional reports suggest that private engineers are also being investigated for exploiting lenient laws to legalise unauthorised buildings, issuing questionable construction permits, and facilitating other irregular “settlements” of planning violations.
A Blow to Public Trust
The scandal has sent shockwaves through Rhodes, an island renowned for its tourism and historical significance. As the investigation unfolds, Greek authorities are signaling a firm stance against corruption within public institutions. The seven defendants now await their day in court, while the release of the former department head raises questions about the scope of accountability in this high-stakes case.