Three healthcare professionals — a 39-year-old physiotherapist and two orthopedic surgeons, aged 51 and 49 — were arrested in Piraeus on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following a lengthy joint investigation by Greek police and the National Organization for Healthcare Provision (EOPYY).
Fraud Scheme Uncovered
According to police, the group systematically defrauded EOPYY by issuing false medical referrals and fabricating records of physiotherapy sessions that never took place. The scheme reportedly began as early as May 2021.
The orthopedic surgeons, acting on instructions from the physiotherapist, issued hundreds of sham referrals for insured patients — many of whom were unaware their AMKA (Greek social security numbers) had been used. The physiotherapist then submitted forged execution and receipt documents, signing them on behalf of patients who never received treatment.
Scale of the Fraud
Investigators confirmed 1,961 fraudulent referrals were processed — amounting to 19,610 fictitious therapy sessions — using 1,683 distinct AMKAs. In 1,641 cases, fake or non-existent phone numbers were listed as patient contact details — confirming the victims’ lack of involvement.
The total financial damage to EOPYY exceeds €264,000. Overall illicit gains — including charges related to document forgery, abuse of personal data, bribery, and breach of official confidentiality — surpass €120,000.
Additional Charges and Evidence
A EOPYY employee is also implicated for allegedly sharing confidential internal documents with the group and accepting money to suppress complaints against them.
During coordinated raids across homes, clinics, and a physiotherapy lab in Piraeus, authorities seized €8,990 in cash, mobile phones, a tablet, and handwritten notes linked to the operation.
All three suspects have been referred to the competent public prosecutor’s office for prosecution.