Criminal Organization Used Fake COVID Certificates to Defraud Greece and EU

A mastermind accountant, inhumane accomplices, 40 companies, 55 properties, and €5.7 million defrauded from the Greek public and EU funds form the pieces of an incredible story. This criminal organization exploited fake COVID certificates to claim money for non-existent rentals during the pandemic, causing a loss exceeding €5.737 million. They also attempted further fraud worth €3.777 million. To launder their illegal income, they established a complex interbank channel with 122 accounts linked to their network of companies, facilitating over 57,000 transactions totaling €10.897 million. Arrests began earlier this year, culminating in a large-scale operation over the weekend, resulting in 21 searches across homes, businesses, and offices. Six members were arrested, with six others charged. The group’s leader, a 54-year-old accountant, used his expertise to deceive authorities while gradually incorporating other members. Relatives played significant roles, alongside locals and foreigners acting as ‘straw men.’ Using 40 companies and 55 properties, they fabricated rental contracts with exorbitant rates unjustified by market conditions. Exploiting urgent measures against the spread of COVID-19, they submitted false claims for high rents, aiming solely to harm the Greek public and enrich themselves illegally. Investigations revealed that even rejected fraudulent submissions led to cover-ups among involved parties to avoid legal consequences. Among their exploits was constructing a villa under an ESPA program, ostensibly as a rental property but actually serving as a residence for two members. Additionally, they manipulated social security contributions by hiring personnel through straw men, misleading authorities about real employers. Their money laundering scheme involved funneling illicit gains into legitimate business activities or transferring funds abroad. During raids across Attica and Corinthia, authorities seized €61,900 in cash, bank drafts worth €24,200, gold coins, numerous credit cards, corporate documents and seals, eight mobile devices, a digital scale, cocaine weighing 21.48 grams, and nine ecstasy pills.