Dismantling of corrupt network in Attica urban planning services – 6 arrests and €400,000 seized
Six arrests and confiscation of €400,000 in an operation by the Internal Affairs Service against a corruption network in Attica urban planning services.
Operation "Uncorrupted" in Attica urban planning services: 6 arrests, 35 suspects and €400,000 seized
An extensive operation by the Internal Affairs Service of the Security Forces in urban planning services across Attica has been underway since 5 June 2026, according to e-radio.gr. The operation was carried out following months of investigation into complaints of corruption, bribery and illegal services in the urban planning sector.
During surprise inspections and raids, Internal Affairs officers arrested five public employees and one private individual. A total of six people have been arrested as part of a flagrante delicto procedure, whilst the case file includes 35 suspects — public employees, private individuals and engineers. During the investigation, a sum of money approaching €400,000 was located and seized.
Structured network with distinct roles
According to an official announcement, the organisation had been operating since at least October 2025, with a structured hierarchy and division of roles. Members exploited their official positions, institutional standing and network of contacts to obtain illegal financial gain.
Two leading members played a central role, allegedly determining strategy, coordinating the promotion of cases and setting the level of financial demands. Other members assumed more specific roles depending on their area of responsibility or capacity to exert influence.
Among the roles identified by the investigation: a member with specialist knowledge of the urban planning framework provided guidance on handling cases; a member responsible for issuing permits undertook the promotion of building cases in exchange for payment; a member dealing with unauthorised constructions intervened in inspection and legalisation procedures; a private engineer operated as a liaison between interested parties and other members, also taking on the circulation of money.
Illegal services ranging from €1,000 to €30,000
The authorities are investigating complaints of bribery of employees in relation to the issuance of building permits on a priority basis, the legalisation of unauthorised constructions, the reduction of imposed fines, the issuance of positive opinions and the expediting of pending files.
To date, at least 29 cases of bribery and breach of duty have been established. The sums of money demanded ranged from €1,000 to €30,000 per case.
The case file includes offences of criminal organisation, bribery and corruption of an employee, trafficking in influence and breach of duty.
Code words and counter-surveillance
Characteristic of the organisation's activities was the implementation of counter-surveillance measures. Members avoided direct references to sums of money in their telephone communications and used internet messaging applications. For money, they used code words such as "coffee," "tools," "plans" and "papers."
For determining illegal payments and receiving money, they preferred face-to-face meetings in locations they considered safe: health-related establishments, car parks and vehicles.
The moment of arrest
The police operation was carried out during the afternoon of 5 June 2026, as part of a flagrante delicto act of bribery. One of the organisation's members was spotted at the moment he was handing over to a leading member an envelope containing €3,000. This was followed by immediate police intervention and the arrest of those involved.
The investigation was initiated following complaints of misconduct by employees in urban planning services in Attica and was conducted using special investigative measures, combined assessment of telephone communications, physical surveillance, witness statements and digital data.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)