Panagopoulos Case: Siblings, Deputy Head, and Firm with 48% of GSSE Income from Public Funds

A journalist, two siblings, the deputy head of the Independent Authority for the Market, and the owner of two companies are implicated—according to Greece’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority—in the Panagopoulos case centered on Giannis Panagopoulos, President of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSSE). The individuals, operating from different positions and roles, allegedly participated in the misappropriation of €73 million in EU and national funds. At least €2.1 million reportedly changed hands without legal justification or delivered services. The scheme allegedly began with Panagopoulos, who awarded direct contracts—even to training providers lacking infrastructure or qualified staff. He, along with five other individuals and six specific companies, is accused of aggravated embezzlement against the Greek State and the EU, committed professionally and repeatedly. Several implicated firms were newly established by Panagopoulos’s associates and lacked capacity to implement GSSE-funded programs. One such firm, founded in 2019 with 97% ownership by an implicated person and 3% by his spouse, derived 48% of its revenue from GSSE’s Institute of Employment. In 2024, another suspect launched a cybersecurity firm that quickly entered into collaboration with GSSE. The scandal continues expanding: Deputy Head Anna Stratina resigned, and an ERT journalist linked to the case has gone on leave. Stratina’s husband is also implicated.