Corruption in Attica municipalities: Six remanded in custody over illegal licences
Public officials have been arrested on bribery charges in cases involving building permits and illegal structures. The investigation was launched following an anonymous tip-off.
Corruption in Attica municipalities: Six remanded in custody over illegal licences
Six defendants were remanded in custody following appearances before an investigating magistrate, as part of an extensive investigation into bribery involving urban planning services and municipal authorities in Attica.
According to the case file, those involved were allegedly servicing construction companies and private individuals in matters concerning building permits, illegal structures and planning fines, in exchange for money.
The core pair of suspects includes a 50-year-old secretary at a large Attica municipality and her 59-year-old husband, who held a senior position at the Decentralised Administration of the region. Together with four other officials, they are alleged to have set up a system that provided illegal facilitating services to those wishing to circumvent or expedite bureaucratic procedures.
The charges include the illegal issuance of building permits, the processing of files out of order, the legalisation of illegal structures, and the deletion or reduction of fines.
The investigation was launched following an anonymous tip-off to the Internal Affairs division of the Greek Police. Officers monitored the suspects for months, documenting the structure and operation of the network.
Network members used messaging applications for internet-based communication. Meetings with clients took place in cafés, vehicles or car parks of shopping centres. Payments were completed within minutes, with money handed over either in envelopes or hidden in sweet boxes, so as not to attract attention.
Significant interest has been raised in multi-storey buildings recently constructed in areas with strict building regulations, such as Kifissia. Authorities are investigating whether there was deliberate inaction or intervention by officials to avoid penalties or erase fines.
The finances of those involved are under investigation. According to the information, the couple had acquired a luxury residence in Kythnos. The purchase of artworks allegedly made at prices above their actual value, as a money laundering method, is also being examined.
Source: ERT News
Source: ERT