Kampouris and spouse at Evelpidon courts for €5 million fraud against EFKA
Philippos Kampouris, his spouse and nine other defendants are answering charges of fraud through shell companies causing €5 million in damage to the State.
Statements on the 'Phoenix phenomenon' – 29 companies, €5 million in damage
According to Newsit.gr, on Sunday 11 October 2026, the main hearing began at the Evelpidon courts for the case involving a criminal group that defrauded EFKA and the State through successive shell companies. Philippos Kampouris, his spouse and the remaining nine defendants were brought from the police headquarters to the courthouse to give their statements.
In the Kampouris couple, the indictment attributes a leadership role in the structure and operation of the group. Earlier, on Thursday, Philippos Kampouris had been transferred under guard from police headquarters detention to a hospital, as he reported feeling unwell.
Pivotal roles in the operation of the system, according to the charges, were held by four accountants and two entrepreneurs in the catering sector, who were also called to give statements before the judicial officer. Statements were also given by individuals who appeared as the formal managers of the companies – those that were created to replace others with unpaid taxes and contributions.
The case was uncovered following months-long investigation by prosecuting authorities into the so-called 'Phoenix phenomenon': a structured mechanism for reestablishing companies that were 'reborn' with new details and representatives from the 'ashes' of previous ones that closed with debts of up to €80,000 each. The case file refers to more than 29 companies, including nightclubs, advertising businesses and catering establishments.
The estimated damage amounts to €1.5 million directly to EFKA, whilst the total damage to the State is calculated at €5 million. At the same time, a thorough examination of the financial records of the case is underway.
The charges that the defendants are called upon to refute include five felonies and one misdemeanour:
1. Direction of a criminal organisation 2. Participation and formation of a criminal organisation 3. Fraud against a legal entity exceeding €120,000, by continuation and with joint participation 4. Complicity in fraud against a legal entity exceeding €120,000 5. Laundering of proceeds from a criminal organisation, by profession 6. Late payment of employer and employee contributions (misdemeanour)
The judicial officer, following instructions from the Prosecutor's Office, will investigate further whether a sixth felony emerges concerning tax evasion. The statement-giving procedure was scheduled to begin early in the morning and was expected to last many hours.
Source: Newsit.gr