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Tag: fraud
Authorities in Thessaloniki dismantled a criminal syndicate selling adulterated oil mislabeled as “extra virgin olive oil.” Five arrests were made, with over 15 tons of fake oil seized during a police raid in Menemeni. The gang faces felony charges for fraud, counterfeiting, and organized crime.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has summoned sixteen suspects to testify over a €3 million compensation payment to TOMI, tied to the unfinished railway contract 717. The investigation probes allegations of breach of trust involving ERGOSE and former Minister Kostas Karamanlis, amid scrutiny following the Tempe disaster, which experts link to the signaling project’s delays.
In Thessaloniki, 37 elderly repatriates from Georgia were convicted of welfare fraud after using fake documents to claim uninsured elderly benefits from OPEKA. The court handed down suspended sentences of 14 to 28 months, uncovering a 2018-19 scam that netted some over €13,000, though others were stopped by vigilant regional officials.
Dozens of Greek livestock farmers have been charged with fraud for falsely claiming EU agricultural subsidies, causing an estimated €2.9 million in losses. Investigators say the suspects submitted fake land ownership and lease documents to secure funds from EU agricultural programs. The cases will go to trial in Greece in March and May, with the accused facing up to five years in prison and hefty fines.
The European Parliament voted to lift the immunity of Greek MEPs Alexis Georgoulis and Maria Spyraki. Georgoulis faces rape allegations, while Spyraki is under investigation for fraud related to her parliamentary allowances. Both immunity waivers were approved following requests from Belgian authorities and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Greek authorities have dismantled a major human trafficking ring operating in Athens, arresting 26 individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of women. The operation, led by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, uncovered a network that lured foreign women to Greece under false pretenses before forcing them into prostitution. Victims were held captive, subjected to violence, and coerced into sex work. Police seized cash, electronic devices, and fraudulent lease documents, while 24 women received assistance from specialized NGOs. The suspects face multiple charges, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape, as investigations continue.
A 31-year-old foreign woman was arrested in Kos for defrauding an elderly man out of…
Greek authorities have dismantled a criminal network exploiting migrant health data to distribute illegal prescription drugs. Six arrests were made, including two pharmacists and a doctor, with over 1,000 fraudulent prescriptions issued. The group supplied drugs through Athens pharmacies and faces charges including drug trafficking and fraud.
A Greek employee of the United Nations is under investigation for allegedly embezzling over $1 million through fraudulent expense claims between 2014 and 2021. The case, initially reported to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, was transferred to Greece’s Prosecutor’s Office as the funds involved were not European. The accused, who held a senior position within the UN, faces charges of fraud and forgery and will soon testify before a magistrate.
A well-known Greek actor has been linked to the ongoing investigation into a protection racket operating out of Syngrou Avenue. Captured on security cameras visiting the ring’s headquarters, the actor denied involvement, claiming his connection to the implicated company was purely professional. This revelation adds a new dimension to the high-profile case, which has already exposed ties between the criminal network and prominent figures.
Four friends were convicted in Greece for deceiving a teacher with a fake cancer cure, selling a water solution with aspirin for €100,000. They claimed the treatment was from a secret Russian research center and would save him from brain cancer. The teacher later discovered the truth and reported the scam, leading to their conviction for joint fraud. The Supreme Court upheld their sentence, which could be converted to a fine.
Greek authorities have made their first-ever cryptocurrency seizure, confiscating 273,000 USDT (Tether) as part of a criminal investigation. This milestone underscores the growing challenges of combating crypto-related crimes and the need for expertise in handling digital assets. The seizure is part of a broader effort to address cryptocurrency scams, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Greece
A French national wanted in Luxembourg for a €5.4 million investment fraud has been arrested in Athens. Philippe Stanislas Antoine Wasila, 57, was apprehended on Monday, thanks to a joint operation between Luxembourg and Greek authorities. He allegedly lured victims into investing in a fictitious autonomous drone development project.
A Greek police officer has been arrested on charges of fraud and weapons possession after allegedly deceiving a woman into paying money under the pretense of legal mediation. Authorities seized multiple firearms and ammunition during a search of his home. An accomplice is also implicated in the case, and the officer has been referred to the prosecuting authorities.
A 51-year-old woman in Thessaloniki, Greece has been arrested for allegedly defrauding an individual of over €120,000 through a bitcoin investment scam. The suspect, along with two alleged accomplices, convinced the victim to invest in cryptocurrencies with promises of high returns.
A new form of hotel scam has emerged, involving fraudsters who pose as guests and extend their stays without going through the official checkout process. This crime took an unexpected turn for Nathan and Eleni Weisser, who shared their experience of being targeted at the London Hilton. Though they had officially left for their next destination, a scammer managed to occupy their room, amassing an $800 bill. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the increasingly digital hotel transaction systems.
The FBI is offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Ruja Ignatova, the woman accused of masterminding the multi-billion dollar OneCoin cryptocurrency scam. Ignatova, who disappeared in 2017, is considered one of the world’s most wanted fugitives. Dubbed the “Cryptoqueen,” Ignatova rose to prominence promoting OneCoin as the next big thing in cryptocurrency. However, the scheme quickly unraveled, exposing it as an elaborate pyramid scheme that defrauded millions of investors globally out of an estimated $4 billion.
Brindisi, Italy – A cruise ship intended to house security personnel for the upcoming G7…
In June 2021, Westpac uncovered an alleged multi-million dollar fraud perpetrated by Sydney leasing company Forum Finance. Forum, led by Bill Papas, is accused of creating fake lease agreements for non-existent equipment, resulting in losses exceeding $500 million for Westpac and other banks. The case is nearing judgment in October 2024, with potential consequences for Forum-linked companies and individuals, including Papas who fled the country.