Bribery in Katerini Urban Planning: 11 arrests over 'express service' in permits
The Internal Affairs Service of the Hellenic Police has arrested 11 people, including the director of Katerini's Urban Planning Department, over an alleged bribery network.
Raid on "Uncorrupted" Unit at Katerini Urban Planning – 11 arrests over alleged 'express service'
Eleven people were arrested at the offices of the Urban Planning Department of the Municipality of Katerini following a coordinated operation by the Internal Affairs Service of the Hellenic Police, known as the "Uncorrupted" unit, according to Dikastiko.gr. The investigation targets an alleged bribery network in exchange for expedited issuance of construction permits and the legalisation of unauthorised structures.
The operation began in the morning at approximately 7:00 at the Urban Planning Department offices housed in the Katerini Municipality building. Among those arrested are the director of the service, the head of the Construction and Inspection Department, as well as other employees. Private engineers are also reportedly implicated in the case.
How the alleged network operated
The investigation was launched following a complaint about the payment of money to employees in order to expedite procedures relating to construction permits and the regularisation of unauthorised structures. According to the complaints, employees are alleged to have requested or collected sums of money to push through specific files and facilitate the progress of citizens' cases — practices characterised as "express service".
As part of the operation, searches are being carried out both at the service's premises and at the residences of those arrested. Police officers are examining files and documents that may be connected to the case.
Arrested individuals presented to prosecutor
The eleven arrested individuals have been taken to the competent police authorities and are expected to be presented before the prosecutor. The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected regarding the scope of the case and the role of each person involved.
Statement from Katerini Municipality
The Municipality of Katerini issued a statement, noting that it is at the disposal of the competent authorities and has already given orders for any requested information to be provided to facilitate the investigations. The municipal authority emphasises that transparency in urban planning procedures is a non-negotiable principle. At the same time, it clarifies that the Construction Service continues to operate normally and serve citizens.
The case has generated considerable interest in the local community. Its further development is expected to reveal the scale of the alleged practices and the purported responsibilities of those involved.
Source: Dikastiko.gr