Arrest of Angelos Giannakopoulou for tax evasion of €50 million at "Choriátiko" bakeries
The owner of the "Choriátiko" bakery chain was arrested in Ioánnina on Sunday. The charges relate to fraud against the state at more than 200 outlets.
Arrest of bakery businessman over million-euro fraud
Officials from the Greek FBI arrested Angelos Giannakopoulou, owner of the "Choriátiko" bakery chain, on the morning of Sunday, 25 October 2026 in Ioánnina. According to Newsit.gr, the operation began early in the morning and is still ongoing.
The charges that Giannakopoulou faces concern fraud against the state, tax evasion, non-payment of VAT and insurance contributions. The damage is reported to exceed €50 million, with the violations covering more than 200 outlets of the chain.
Beyond the bakeries, the investigation extends across the defendant's entire business activity. According to the same reports, Giannakopoulou is said to own nightclubs and shops on the seafront, whilst he is also involved in a website with classified advertisements of an adult nature. Part of his business activity operates through third parties, with him as the hidden owner.
Alongside Giannakopoulou, the company's accountant was arrested, as well as employees and executives linked to the operation of the chain. Approximately 100 people in total are reported to be involved in the case.
The reports compare the case to that of Pizza Fan, a characteristic example of large-scale economic fraud in the catering sector. The "Choriátiko" chain has dozens of outlets in Attica.
Giannakopoulou has a history of legal disputes. In 2008 he was arrested as the "mastermind" of a human trafficking ring and in 2015 was sentenced on first instance to ten years' imprisonment. According to the preliminary ruling, that ring was laundering money from illegal activities through investments in the "Choriátiko" bakery chain. On appeal he was released, whilst in November 2025 he was arrested for excessive speed.
Source: Newsit.gr