€2.8 million fraud via NGO for sick children – six arrests in northern Greece
Six people have been arrested for multi-million-euro fraud via an NGO that allegedly helped children with serious illnesses. The organisation was also linked to match-fixing in football.
Six arrests for multi-million-euro fraud under the guise of sick children in northern Greece
The Organised Crime Unit for Northern Greece has arrested six people following an extensive investigation that uncovered a dual fraud scheme: a fictitious NGO for children with disabilities and serious illnesses, as well as match-fixing in amateur football leagues, according to ERT.
The organisation collected donations worth thousands of euros from artists, athletes, shipping magnates, businesspeople and ordinary citizens, who were moved by photographs of children in need posted online. A total of 92 fundraising campaigns were recorded for 74 beneficiary individuals, of whom 55 have been identified.
Sums exceeding €5.8 million were found in the NGO's accounts and those of its 37-year-old founder for the period from 2018 to the present. The organisation's illegal profit is calculated at €2.8 million, whilst 34 parents received less money for their children than had been raised through fundraising campaigns.
The Financial Crimes Investigation Unit examined 29 bank accounts and over 246,000 transactions. The money ended up in personal accounts, where withdrawals and re-deposits were made to cover the trail. Part of it was spent on luxury clothing, watches, designer bags, travel and restaurants, whilst a portion of the funds was channelled into fictitious companies.
In parallel, the founder of the NGO acted as a hidden administrative figure for teams in the Pieria region, funding them with more than €250,000. At each match, between €300 and €500 was allocated mainly for bribing referees.
Criminal charges have been brought against the six arrested individuals at felony level for criminal conspiracy, bribery, acceptance of bribes and violation of sports law. The 37-year-old founder, his partner and her brother face additional charges of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering. The arrested individuals are due to be questioned before an investigating magistrate on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and remain in custody until then.
Source: ERT