Arrest of "Choriático" owner for tax fraud exceeding €100 million
Angelos Giannakópoulos, owner of the "Choriático" bakery chain, was arrested as part of an investigation into tax fraud through a network of approximately 200 companies.
Arrest of "Choriático" owner – Investigation into fictitious transactions and millions in losses
Angelos Giannakópoulos, owner of the "Choriático" bakery chain, was arrested on Sunday 25 October by the Organised Crime Directorate (DAOE), as part of an operation into an alleged case of tax fraud involving millions of euros, according to eea.gr.
The businessman was arrested together with associates. The investigation, which reportedly began nine months ago, concerns alleged tax fraud through a network of approximately 200 companies. Authorities are examining fictitious transactions, while the estimated damage to the state exceeds €100 million. The precise amount of the damage and the degree of involvement of those under investigation have not yet been clarified.
Giannakópoulos had established the first "Choriático" store in 1997 on Michaíl Vóda Street in Athens. In the following years the business expanded with the creation of a network of bakeries and the development of the "Attikói Foúrnoi" chain.
His name appeared in police investigations for the first time previously. In 2007 and 2008, as part of operations with code names "Vitrine" and "White Bread", a possible connection between business activities in the bakery sector and illegal income was examined. In media reports from that period, Giannakópoulos was mentioned as involved in the relevant investigations, which concerned the operation of night-time establishments, the exploitation of women, and the laundering of proceeds from illegal activities.
As part of the new investigation, authorities are also investigating possible offences related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The full picture of the case is expected to be clarified through official announcements from the competent authorities and further legal proceedings.
Source: Google News CY — Crime (el)