Multi-million euro fraud through NGO for sick children – six arrests in Thessaloniki
Founding members of the association "Children's Joy" were arrested for fraud exceeding €2.8 million through false fundraising campaigns for children with cancer.
Association "Children's Joy": how businesspeople, singers and athletes were deceived
Founding members of the association "Children's Joy" are behind a multi-million euro fraud, exploiting families with seriously ill children, primarily those with cancer. According to In.gr, police carried out six arrests and identified illicit proceeds estimated at €2,829,516.
The organisation operated since 2008 under the guise of charity, organising fundraising campaigns on social media for medical expenses and treatment of children. The money collected was appropriated in the vast majority of cases, with only a minimal percentage ultimately reaching families.
Well-known names on the victims' list
Among the defrauded donors, according to police sources, are shipping magnate Maria Angelicoussi, singer Nikos Oikonomopoulos, footballer Tasos Chatzigiovanis, tennis player Maria Sakkari, television presenter Mairi Synatsaki and influencer Ioanna Touni.
Angelicoussi donated $30,000, Oikonomopoulos at least €13,000 and Chatzigiovanis €12,450. Organisation members publicly presented these donations in order to enhance the association's credibility and attract more donors.
The structure of the operation
The organisation was divided into two sub-groups with different roles. The first, comprised of the leader and his relatives, was responsible for setting up fundraising activities. The second, which also included referees and figures from local football, used part of the embezzled money to manipulate sporting events.
The 37-year-old founder of the association, together with his partner, is reported to have played a central role. He appears as a businessman owning a café in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, and as a figure in local football in Pieria.
It has also been revealed that the ring "blocked" the bank account of the mother of a sick child through a false fraud complaint, with the aim of forcing her to cooperate with them.
Research findings
The authorities recorded 92 fundraising activities involving 74 beneficiaries, of which 55 were identified. In some cases, different photographs or details of children were used so that it would not be apparent that previous fundraising campaigns had been conducted for the same child.
Cases were also examined in which medical expenses were covered by insurance companies or were lower than those stated in the posts. Money intended for healthcare facilities is reported never to have reached them.
The financial picture is revealing: the parents of 34 children stated that they received a total of approximately €1,111,176, whilst the corresponding donations credited amounted to €3,940,692. The difference of €2,829,516 is estimated by authorities as illicit proceeds. The investigation to identify further victim families continues.
Source: In.gr