Thessaloniki: Illicit Fees for Body Storage, Embalming, and More Exposed

In Thessaloniki, a shocking case of corruption has been uncovered involving employees of the Forensic Medicine Service, including a forensic pathologist, a university professor, three funeral service office owners, and a retired police officer. These individuals allegedly set up an illicit operation to profit from illegal embalming practices. According to newsit.gr, investigations led to charges against 67 people, with 52 identified and six arrested for bribery-related offenses. The investigation began when anonymous complaints were made about unlawful payments received by forensic medicine employees and an active police officer from funeral service workers and owners in exchange for storing bodies in refrigerators, conducting unauthorized embalmings, and issuing false medical certificates. Investigations revealed that the group also operated another unauthorized space outside the Forensic Medicine Service, where they stored bodies and performed embalmings for money. They charged €25 per day for body storage, €50 for additional body preparation, and €250 for embalmings without proper supervision or certification. This operation jeopardized the integrity of the Forensic Medicine Service in Thessaloniki.