EFKA fraud: Kampouris appears with 10 other defendants – damage of €1.5 million
Eleven defendants appeared before an investigating magistrate today in a fraud case against EFKA. Television presenter Philippos Kampouris, leader of the LAOS party, is alleged to be the head of the scheme.
Eleven defendants appear in EFKA fraud scheme case
Eleven defendants appeared today, 11 October, before an investigating magistrate on charges related to a fraud case against EFKA, with an estimated loss of approximately €1.5 million, according to Ethnos. The central figure in the case is television presenter and leader of the LAOS party Philippos Kampouris, to whom — along with his wife — the indictment attributes a leading role in the group's activities.
Kampouris was transferred on Thursday afternoon, under guard, from GADA detention facilities to a hospital after reporting feeling unwell. Speaking to journalists following his arrest, he had stated: "I am innocent, this is a conspiracy and I can prove it." During the police examination that followed, he chose not to make a statement, reserving the right to provide explanations during his appearance.
Fictitious companies and insurance contributions
According to the case file, Kampouris and his wife are alleged to have established an organised network with distinct roles and continuous operations. This network operated, according to the indictment, through the creation of fictitious companies or exploitation of existing businesses, in which employees appeared to be insured without the corresponding contributions and taxes being paid.
The aim of the scheme, according to authorities, was to avoid insurance and tax obligations and to derive illegal financial benefit. The individuals who appeared as company representatives — companies created in replacement of others with unpaid debts — will also appear today.
According to the indictment, a pivotal role in the structure and operation of the system was held by four accountants, as well as two businessmen in the catering sector, who will also be called today to provide explanations to the judicial officer.
The "panic conversations"
A few days before the arrests, the recorded telephone contacts show intense panic. The central figure in these conversations appears to be the alleged ringleader, Philippos Kampouris. The channel OPEN brought these conversations to light.
In one of the recorded conversations, Kampouris gives instructions to a member of the group: "If some unknown number calls you and tells you where you live etc., hang up on them. And never give that address out. If they call and you don't know them, hang up in their face and block them." The member responds: "OK, OK, my Philippos."
In another conversation, a member of the group asks "Did you open the shop, my Philippaki?", with Kampouris answering: "No, and it's not going to happen either, probably. Kisses." In a third recorded conversation with his wife, the defendant states: "I'm going to get 10 grand and I'll be right back, darling," with her responding: "OK, baby."
The accountants and the complaint that opened the case
Particularly noteworthy is the testimony of two accountants who claim they regularly informed the alleged ringleader of his debts to the state and pressured him to arrange settlements. According to them, there are written emails that confirm these repeated complaints. They ended their work relationships in early 2025, as the defendant paid neither their own fees, while simultaneously maintaining outstanding debts in companies in which he participated as a silent partner.
The investigation began, according to reports, following a complaint by a former employee who was employed in the network from 2021 until October 2025. She complained that she appeared to be paid by companies unknown to her, which did not operate at their registered addresses. This complaint was the trigger for mapping the corporate structures connected, according to authorities, to the defendants.
Source: Ethnos