Two health service employees from the Chania Regional Health Department were arrested on Friday, March 28, 2025, by Greece’s Internal Affairs Directorate, accused of accepting bribes to overlook violations by local businesses.
The arrests are part of an ongoing operation that began earlier today on the island of Crete.
According to a statement from the Hellenic Police (EL.AS), the two officials were detained based on arrest warrants issued for illegal activities tied to their duties. Police sources allege that the pair, employed by the Chania Health Service, extorted money from owners of businesses such as restaurants and cafés. They reportedly approached proprietors after identifying sanitary violations and demanded payments to avoid issuing hefty fines, while also conducting superficial inspections to maintain the scheme.
So far, authorities have confirmed six instances of bribery involving the suspects. The investigation remains active, with EL.AS promising further updates from its headquarters upon completion of the probe.
The arrests spotlight ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public services in Greece, particularly in regions like Crete, where local businesses play a vital role in the economy. As the case unfolds, it underscores the government’s push to uphold accountability and transparency across its institutions.