A highly organized criminal network that allegedly defrauded Greece’s National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY) for at least six years through fake medical prescriptions has been dismantled by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime. The financial damage to EOPYY exceeds €405,000, and investigators have so far identified 5,429 fraudulent prescriptions — with the probe still ongoing.
Arrest of PASOK Candidate
According to authorities, the alleged ringleader arrested was a PASOK candidate in the 2023 national elections. The arrest took place during a coordinated police operation in Attica, conducted jointly with the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). In addition to the main suspect, nine other individuals are implicated in the case, including a psychiatrist, a family physician employed at a public hospital, and owners and managers of pharmacies.
How the Scheme Worked
The Hellenic Police stated the group operated from at least March 2020 until April 2026 — a timeline likely reflecting a typographical error in the original report, as April 2026 has not yet occurred — with a hierarchical structure and clearly defined roles. A key tactic involved targeting insured citizens who had not activated their digital prescription service. Using their AMKA identification numbers, suspects issued fraudulent prescriptions without notifying the beneficiaries via SMS or email — making detection significantly harder. These prescriptions were then ‘filled’ virtually, with forged patient signatures. The prescribed medications were reimbursed by EOPYY, and in many cases dispensed through participating pharmacies, generating substantial illegal profits for the group.
Investigation and Evidence Seized
The case began after a complaint filed by EOPYY, prompting a months-long investigation by the Sub-Directorate for Economic Crimes. During searches, officers seized:
- 240 packages of illegally prescribed medicines, including narcotics-containing substances;
- Multiple documents: handwritten notes, prescriptions, medical opinions, health booklets, and detached authenticity strips and barcodes from pharmaceutical packaging;
- €1,200 in cash;
- A laptop, a mobile phone, and a vehicle.
Charges filed against the suspects include participation in a criminal organization, fraud, forgery, false certification, unlawful processing of personal data, money laundering, and violations of narcotics legislation. Authorities continue their investigation to fully uncover the scope and reach of the operation.