A rich life – with trips, thousands of euros and a house with a swimming pool – through extortion was allegedly lived by the heads (principal and vice-principal) and employees of DOU Chalkida who were arrested on charges of corruption. In fact, the director is said to be the “brain” of the organization. According to information, they were arrested on their own with cash, following a complaint.

A complaint was filed against two officials, who, taking advantage of their position, extorted citizens and received sums of money, so as not to block refund procedures to beneficiaries or not to show the debts they gave. According to police sources, the complaint was made in November 2023 by a citizen who was blackmailed into giving 5,000 euros in order not to block a tax refund.

The criminal organization, which consisted of both the 5 tax officials and two private individuals (accountants – processors), was dismantled by the Internal Affairs Service of the Security Forces. The police operation took place yesterday, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in the context of which a total of 7 members were arrested – of which 5 employees and 2 private individuals – while 6 more people are included in the case file.

A case file was filed against them – as the case may be – for criminal organization, bribery of an employee by profession and by extension, breach of duty, extortion and attempted extortion by profession, bribery of an employee by occupation and weapons.

With a decision signed by the Governor of AADE, Giorgos Pitsilis, the arrested employees of AADE were put on temporary leave while a disciplinary investigation was also ordered.

How they acted – “Brain” the boss

Theas it emerged, at least since November 2023, the members of the organizations were facilitating, omitting or performing fiscal authority procedures referred to in their official duties as an employee, as well as in business operations, taking advantage of their status, demanding sums of money. consideration, in order to process their pending taxes.

The leader of the organization, the head of the employees, had taken over the coordination of the receipt and distribution to the other members of the financial sums. At the same time, he secured appropriate information about the companies, for the continuation of their criminal activity, while communicating with the sub-group.

During the police operation, a citizen was identified who entered a building of the Public Financial Service (PFS), holding a file, which was found in the possession of an employee and contained the amount of -10,000- euros .

What did the investigations find?

In subsequent searches carried out in houses, vehicles, as well as in the possession of the accused, among others, the following were found and seized:

  • the total amount of -78,795- euros,
  • -10- mobile telephone devices,
  • -4- notebooks with handwritten notes,
  • number of photocopies of tax cases and
  • double-barreled shotgun, for which there was no license to possess.

From the investigations so far, -17- cases of extortion have been discovered, from the organization of the organization he obtained an illegal benefit of -95,600- euros, over a period of three months.

Those arrested will be taken to the competent prosecuting authority.

K. Hatzidakis: I did not enter politics to cover thieves

“I didn’t get into politics to cover thieves. I have followed this principle unwaveringly since the first moment I entered politics and I repeat the same message today on the occasion of the case at the DOU Chalkida, said the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis and added:

“The systematic work of ELAS, AADE and the judicial authorities proves our strong will to confront any form of illegality even if it originates in the Public Administration itself. And it is obvious that we will not stop here. We will continue to fight against criminal behavior at all levels and in all directions. Whether we are talking about cases of corruption, or smuggling, or other financial crimes. It is primarily fair for the citizens, necessary for the economy, but also a basic mission of the Government itself”.

G. Pitsilis: “Our zero tolerance for corruption is self-evidently non-negotiable”

On the occasion of the corruption case involving AADE employees, the Governor of the Independent Public Revenue Authority, Giorgos Pitsilis, made the following statement:

“From the first moment, when we were informed about the incident, we are – as always – in a relationship and close cooperation with the Greek Police, providing every useful element for clarifying the case. This is what we do with all the prosecuting and judicial authorities to assist investigations in cases of economic crime, tax evasion, smuggling and corruption.
Our zero tolerance is self-evidently non-negotiable for any form of delinquency, wherever it comes from.
So is the observance of the law, both by citizens and by all AADE employees.
We continue to faithfully serve the public interest, shielding citizens, the economy and society from all kinds of delinquent and criminal activities.”